As the northeast side of Grand Rapids began to grow in the early 1960's, the Mission
Board of the LCMS Michigan District looked seriously into the possibility of placing new
churches into the area. Although largely undeveloped, the area showed promise of growth,
and they felt that a church was needed in the Plainfield-Five Mile area.
Rev. Henry C. Lubben was called to be a missionary-at-large for the area. With the
Lord's blessing, a new northeast side congregation began worshipping at Northview High
School on November 1, 1964.
A five acre plot of land was purchased by the Mission Board at Five Mile and Northville
Drive and ground was broken for the new church on Sunday, September 12, 1965. The church
seating 200, was dedicated on April 3, 1966.
Shortly after dedication of the new building, Pastor Lubben accepted a call to the
eastern United States. The congregation then called Rev. Gordon K. Goltz, who was
installed on September 10, 1967 and served the congregation until 1980 when he accepted a
call to Redeemer, Taylor, Michigan.
Rev. A.R. Garchow served at Messiah from June of 1981 to June of 1990 when he was
called to his eternal home. During this time, the church was remodeled, a fellowship wing
was added, and a preschool was begun.
The congregation then called Rev. Terry E. Hoese, who was installed as their fourth
pastor on August 11, 1991. In April 2001 ground was broken for a new
addition, which was dedicated to the glory of God on January 13, 2002. The
addition included a new sanctuary seating 280 and new offices. Pastor Hoese
retired on October 31, 2009.
Messiah's fifth pastor is Rev. Thomas W. Bartzsch, who was
installed on August 7, 2011.
The church staff includes : Pastor Bartzsch; Richard Krueger,
Parish Assistant; Diane Love, Office Manager; and Diane Oppenneer, Preschool
Director.
