Our History
-
Our HistoryHilltop Lutheran Church of the Ascension is a relatively young congregation in the Michiana area, having been formed in 1960.
Ten acres of property (Which used to be a Apple Orchard) were purchased with the purpose of starting a mission congregation. Six families of Emmaus Lutheran Church formed the Hilltop Sites Mission Committee.
The first service and Sunday school of the Hilltop Mission was held on October 9, 1960, in the offices of Place and Company. Professor Robert E. Bertram led the first service. Professors Bertram and Schroeder from Valparaiso University served as our pastors. During this time the Revered Theodore Kleinhans served as our vacancy pastor.
In December of 1960, a constitution committee was formed and work was begun. The congregation accepted the work of the committee and the name of Hilltop Lutheran Church was adopted. The first officers of the congregation were elected.
On August 6, 1961, the congregation moved to larger rental quarters at Morey's Party House on Eldora Street just off Lincolnway in South Bend. In September of that year the title to the property was officially transferred from Emmaus Lutheran Church to Hilltop Lutheran Church.
In August 1962, the congregation extended a call to the Reverend Norbert E. Kabelitz, to be their first pastor. Pastor Kabelitz was installed on September 9, 1962. He and his family resided in the parsonage at 2929 Woodmont.
On December 15, 1963, ground was broken for a new church building on the ten-acre site at 59360 Ironwood. The cornerstone for the new church building was laid on May 3, 1964. Participants were Lowell Heckman, building chairman, George H. Priebe, president, Eugene Muia, contractor, and Pastor Kabelitz. Architects for the project were Stade, Dolan, Anderson and Bonesz of Park Ridge, Illinois, and the consutruction was done by Muia Construction.
The first service was held in the new building was on September 20, 1964, 140 people were in attendance and 100 attended Sunday school.
The dedication for the completed building was held on May 16, 1965, at 10:30 pm. An open house was held the following week from 2-5pm.
Below is pictures of the Church building at the time of the Dedication.
September 18, 1966, Pastor Kabelitz preached his farewell sermon before leaving to assume the pastorate of Redeemer congregation in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Revered Robert Stuenkel and Reverend Charles Severs served as vacancy pastors.
On November 16, 1966, the Reverend Frederick Pfotenhauer accepted the call to become Hilltop's pastor and was installed on December 18, 1966.
It was in February 1967, that the first "Hilltopper" newsletter was published.
On April 11, 1976, the congregation voted to join the English District of the LCMS. In November of that year the congregation voted to join the English Synod of the AELC.
November 7, 1976, the Revered Robert Wilken was installed as Assistant Pastor of Hilltop congregation, he served until May 1983.
November 27, 1977, the congregation began to observe a weekly eucharist.
The outdoor chapel worship area was begun in October 1973. The committee was Guenther Wehrhaas, the Larimers and Heckmans and the Women's Club. In January of 1978 the outdoor chapel was completed under the direction of Ed Mercer.
On February 12, 1978, a call was extended to the Reverend Dr. Charles Seevers to be the assistant pastor, he served until December 1982.
In June of 1978, the parsonage was sold to Pastor Pfotenhauer.
In October 1978, the new Lutheran Book of Worship was introduced for congregational use.
In November 1978, Joan Hector was commissioned to do 18 stained glass windows for the clerestory in the sancturary. Individual windows were given by members and dedicated to the memory of loved ones.
In May of 1979, Pastor Pfotenhauer completed his doctoral studies at the University of Notre Dame and was awarded the degree of Doctor of Philosopy from the Department of Theology. Hilltop celebrated Pastor Pfotenhauer's 25th anniversary on June 7,1979, former Pastor Norbert Kabelitz was the anniversary guest speaker.
On July 10, 1984, ground was broken for the new classroom addition.
On July 23, 1985, an early morning electrical fire did extensive damage to the church in excess of $250,000.
But by October 13th, the congregation was once again able to worship in the sanctuary. The Revered Edward Schroeder preached for the 25th anniversary at which pastor and people rededicated themselves and the building to the glory of God and the service of the community.
In May of 1986, the Reverend Alice Murto was ordained and installed as part-time associate pastor. The Reverend Dr. Harry Huxhold, presided together with the Reverend Frederick Pfotenhauer and the Reverend David Augsburger.
On Feb. 25 1992 the Organ was Dedicated
In the fall of 2000, Hank Mascotte was commissioned to to design and execute an Angel sculpture for the Memorial Garden. Consecration of the ground for the Memorial Garden took place on Ascension Day 2001.
On Oct 3, 2010 the Congregation celebrated 50 Years
Hilltop Lutheran Church of the Ascension has been a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America since the ELCA's formation.
Hilltop's Pastors:- Professor Robert E. Bertram, Valparaiso University, October 1960
- Professor Edward Schroeder, Valparaiso University, October 1960
- Reverend Theodore Kleinhans, Advisor, May 1960-September 1961
- Reverend John Kutz, Advisor, September 1961-September 9, 1962
- Reverend Nobert E. Kabelitz, called June 6, 1962, installed August 15, 1962-
- Reverend Charles J Seevers, interim pastor, July 1966-October 1966
- Reverend Robert Stuenkel, interim pastor
- Reverend Frederick Pfotenhauer, called October 23, 1966,
– installed December 18, 1966; retired December 15, 2002 - Reverend Robert Wilken, as associate pastor
- Reverend Alice Murto, as associate pastor
- Reverend Mark Luttio, called July 1, 2001
- Reverend Russell Snyder, interim pastor, January 1, 2003-January 31, 2003
- Reverend John Holten, interim pastor, February 1, 2003-April 30, 2003
- Reverend Jane Aicher, May 1, 2003-August 31, 2004
- Reverend Michael Cobbler, called August 15, 2004, installed June 30, 2009
- Reverend William Hoerger, interim pastor,
- Reverend David Russell, called June 5, 2010,
– installed October 3, 2010; – June 30, 2017 - Reverand Karl Brenner, interim pastor
- Reverend Alexa Kvande - Installed May 24, 2022
