Hope Lutheran Church

Beginning August 15, 1950, the Missouri Synod subsidized the launch of a mission congregation in the Portage Lakes area. Reverend Paul E. Kolch was the congregation's first pastor, with the opening, ordination and commissioning service for the mission held on December 10, 1950 in the Coventry High School Auditorium. In February 1953, the congregation purchased a five acre lot on Portage Lakes Drive, and in June construction began on the original church building. The first building was dedicated in February 1954, and the parsonage was completed and dedicated in November of the following year.

Over the following years, the congregation thrived. A building fund was established, and in October 1965 a new sanctuary with seating for 400, a fellowship hall, offices, sacristy, and kitchen were dedicated. Sadly, only nine years later, a fire completely destroyed the original building excepting the bell tower. The rest of the building sustained heavy smoke and water damage. Pastor Herbert Kreiger--who had begun his ministry at Hope only days earlier--ralled the congregation, and the congregation worked together to rebuild the church. By Thanksgiving in 1974, the congregation was able to use the restored building.

In September 1988, Hope opened its preschool with an initial class of nine students. In 1993 the stained glass windows in the sanctuary were dedicated, and in 1998 the church installed a new organ.

The congregation now continues its second half-century, continuing the administration of Word and Sacrament and thankful for God's faithfulness.