Our Church

	Our congregation was established in 1922 by a core-group of Lutherans living in Kenmore, New York, a suburb of Buffalo. At that time, Kenmore was a young and growing suburb, and the possibilities seemed endless. Like many churches, Pilgrim benefited from the "boom" of American Lutheranism in the early to mid-20th Century, rapidly gaining new members.
		Pilgrim Lutheran Church has endured many challenges throughout it's long history: the ravages of the Great Depression, which threatened the existence of the congregation; World War II, which involved many men and some women in service to their country; the pressure of a burdensome mortgage, which was paid off in 1947; the movement of people away from the region, or to outlying suburbs; and the reality of living in a post-Christian society, in which belief in Christ and knowledge of church and doctrine is no longer standard in our culture.
	It speaks well of Pilgrim that in her 80-plus year history, she has had only six pastors, most of whom stayed for extended periods of time: Rev. Fred J. Muhlhauser (1921-28); Rev. Frank J. Schwarz (1928-1963); Rev. John W.C. Fey (1963-1978); Rev. John Kassen (1978-81); Rev. George Schaetzle (1981-91); and Rev. Ben Eder (1993 - ). The spirit at Pilgrim is usually one marked by cooperation and mutual love between pastor and people.
		Pilgrim Lutheran Church remains a small, but active, congregation in mission to the community. Our many programs include: two weekend services; three adult Bible studies; two women's groups; a men's group; the senior's group; the youth group; confirmation for youth, and periodic adult instruction classes. Approximately twice a year we also distribute New Testaments to homes throughout the community. Community groups also use our facility, including the Girl Scouts and Overeater's Anonymous. Since parking is limited in Kenmore, we also make our spacious parking lot available for various groups. In short, we at Pilgrim are always looking for new and innovative ways of reaching out to others with the Gospel of Jesus Christ!