Al Fernandez will be installed as the pastor of Laurel Hill Lutheran Church, only the 18th pastor in the church’s 148-year history, on Jan. 8 at 11 a.m. Pastor Mark Vander Tuig, pastoral/service coordinator for the Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ, will preside over the event with local Lutheran pastors serving on the installation committee. 

 

The church was founded in 1862 when John Israel Reiser wanted to bring a message of hope and peace in the midst of war and strife. He planted a group of laurel trees as a reminder to the community that they could grow and survive even in the toughest of times.

 

Today, the laurel trees still grace the property at Laurel Hill Lutheran Church.

 

Laurel Hill Lutheran Church is nine miles north of Springfield on Highway 119. Turn left on Laurel Hill Road.