Our History
“I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit because apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5
As members of this family of faith called Concordia Evangelical Lutheran Church we have been blessed with solid roots — for we are rooted in the Gospel!
This congregation, which is a member of the body of Christ on earth, has been blessed with an abundance of compassionate and caring members since its inception in 1905.
Some have been members for many years. They are like the dependable branches which have long been attached to the vine. Others have been members for a matter of months; they are like the new branches that spring forth with new life. The congregation has long been nurtured by “transplants” brought to us through their military ties to Fort Drum.
Both the old and the new are sustained by the life that comes from the vine: Jesus Christ. We are watered through the Sacrament of Holy Baptism and nourished through Word and the Sacrament of Holy Communion.
Concordia Evangelical Lutheran Church was officially organized on September 5, 1906. For two years, services were held in the Odd Fellows assembly room of the old Herald Building. On May 24, 1908 the church building located at 118 N. Massey Street was dedicated. The cost of the church building and its furnishings was $14,500. Construction of our present building began in 1970 with dedication services held on September 26, 1971.
We are part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Originally Concordia was part of the New York Synod of the Lutheran Church in America, the successor of the Ministerium of New York, which is the 2nd oldest Lutheran body in the western hemisphere (October 23, 1786).
A blessed tradition
- The Rev. Paul D. Luisi 1992-2023
- The Rev. David L. Windle 1986-1992
- The Rev. John N. Campbell 1961-1986
- The Rev. Frederick K. Vogt 1921-1960
- The Rev. Paul Kasten 1914-1920
- The Rev. Yost Brandt 1905-1914
Pastor Luisi
After 30+ years of ministry at Concordia Lutheran Church, Pastor Paul D. Luisi retired from active ministry on April 23, 2023 with a special worship service and blessings from Upstate NY Synod Bishop Lee Miller II. Pastor’s wife, Mary, has also retired from serving in her many volunteer positions. The couple has decided to remain in the Watertown area where other family members reside. We thank them for their years of service at Concordia and wish them a happy and fulfilling retirement.
Clergy Search
Through the ELCA synod, the congregation is seeking a new pastor to take over the pastoral duties of the church. In the interim, supply pastors will fill in at the 10 a.m. Sunday worship service.
Our Leadership
Council
- Ginny Hasseler, President
- Carol Stacey, Vice President
- Kathy Robertson, Secretary, Treasurer, Worship & Music, and Social Ministry Chair
- Eric Holloway, Property Co-Chair
- Sid Wheeler, Property Co-Chair
- Barbara Delosh
- Debby Whelpley
Other Leaders
- Jason Comet, Director of Music
- Eric Holloway, Facebook
- Ginny Hasseler, Newsletter
- Carol Stacey, Financial Secretary
- Debby Whelpley, Fellowship
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there any childcare during the church service?
Childcare for infants and toddlers is not provided during the service, but we do have a nursery for your convenience. A speaker is present in the nursery so you can listen to the service.
Is there any Sunday school for my children?
Proverbs 22:6 — “Train children in the right way, and when old, they will not stray.”
Due to a lack of children at this time, we do not currently offer Sunday School or Youth Group, but this may change in the future.
Is there any time for fellowship?
Following our service, we have a fellowship to meet and mingle serving coffee and snacks.