History of Prince of Peace
Significant events that have shaped the congregation’s ministry:
- Fall, 1968 – Several families explored the possibility of beginning an Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Howell area by contacting Pastor Clement of Memorial Lutheran Church in Williamston.
- December 15, 1968 – First worship service was held in the gymnasium at Howell’s Northwest School. Since the first worship services were held during the Christmas season, the name “Prince of Peace” was chosen as the name of the congregation.
- May 1, 1969 – Prince of Peace was granted mission status.
- 1969-1972 – The congregation met in the Howell Recreation Center.
- June, 1969 – Property and house were purchased on West Grand River Avenue.
- July 13, 1969 – Pastor Richard Warnke was ordained and installed as Prince of Peace’s first resident pastor.
- November 23, 1969 – Thirty-four adults signed the charter, incorporating as a congregation.
- April 9, 1972 – Groundbreaking was held for the new chapel.
- 1972 – The congregation became self-supporting.
- January 14, 1973 – The new chapel was dedicated.
- 1987 – A two-story addition and redesign of the church roof were completed.
- 1999 – The old parsonage was removed from the property and a different parsonage purchased in Howell.
- 2001 - Started Parish Assistance Program.
- 2002 - Paved and expanded the church parking lot.
- Replaced roofs at the parsonage and church.
- Painted church and changed color of the church from dark brown to toupe.
- Moved church cross closer to the church.
- Painted parsonage.
- 2003 - New Church Structure approved and Council Elections held.
- 2004 - Plans were drawing and estimates for new church expansion.
- Replaced outside doors at the back and front of the church.
- Installed three new furnaces and replaced the hot water heater.
- Installed new stove sink and kitchen cabinets in the fellowship area.
- 2005 - The trees have been removed from behind the church to allow for the expansion of the church
- April 30, 2006 new church expansion dedicated
- November 2009 New lighted church Sign is installed
- September 2011 Moved organ from North to South sided of church
- October 2011 Church purchased 100 new chairs for worship area
- July 2012 New carpet was installed in the Church area
- October 2012 New Church Pues was installed in the area
- April 2015 New carpet was installed in Fellowship Hall
- June 2015 Parsonage Renovation Update (New Windows, Vinyl siding, Garage door, Patio door, Insulation of entire home, Patio door, Soffit, Gutters and dowspouts, Rebuilt Screen red porch, Exterior light fixtures)