Events
Mayor White Declares 10/26/08 Holy Comforter Lutheran Church & School Day
Reformation Sunday October 26th, 2008 will be remembered as a day in Holy Comforter Lutheran Church (HCLC) history. Not only did the church celebrate one of the holiest days of the Lutheran church year, the church also celebrated its 40th anniversary. The day began with two beautiful services, led by Pastor Barbara Bartling. Both services included all of the church’s choirs, the Gloria Dei Choir and Voices of Praise, and the hand-bell group, Bells of Praise. The second service was standing-room only.
After the second service, some 250 people, including past members and church leaders, gathered inside Luther Hall for a luncheon and celebration ceremony. Church Council President Duane Utecht served as the Master of Ceremonies for the event. Houston Mayor Bill White was the first to speak, and praised the church for its work in the community. The mayor presented Pastor Bartling with a proclamation declaring October 26, 2008 “Holy Comforter Lutheran Church Day” in Houston, Texas.
Harris County Judge Ed Emmett was also in attendance. Judge Emmett told the crowd about how his wife Gwen sat in line at 4 a.m. to sign their first born up for HCLC Mother’s Day Out program in 1977. Judge Emmett also praised the outreach of the church. He then presented Pastor Bartling with a proclamation declaring October 26, 2008 “Holy Comforter Lutheran Church Day” in Harris County, Texas.
A representative from Humble Congressman Ted Poe’s office was also at the celebration. She spoke to the crowd and sent Congressman Poe’s congratulations. She also presented a special certificate to Pastor Bartling from the Congressman.
In addition to the current church members, several special people were also in attendance. Reverend Herb Palmer, Director for Leadership with the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod, and his wife were special guests from the Bishop’s office. The church’s first leader, Pastor George Brookover, spoke to the group about how the church was founded. Tenured members of the church were also honored with plaques that will hang in the church halls.