A dedicated group of Lutheran families gathered on Staten Island to establish a welcoming sanctuary rooted in grace, scripture, and neighborly service. The first permanent site was purchased on Fabian Street. Ground breaking for the new church took place on January 20, 1924 by Rev. Nordstrom. The cornerstone was laid on May 4, 1924 and the church as dedicated on October 7, 1924. In seven years Pastor Nordstrom had realized his dream and seen the young church off to a strong beginning. He left the mission in the hands of Pastor Carl Bostrom of Wasa Lutheran Church in 1924. On February 2, 1928, a motion was made and passed that the church seek a more centrally located sitefor the new church. After much consideration, the congregation voted to purchase the property on which Messiah now stands. On June 29, 1929 Pastor David L. Ostergren arrived. Ground for the new church as broken on July 13, 1930, the cornerstone was laid November 2, 1930 and the church dedicated December 6, 1931.

Crossing a full century of active parish life, our doors opened even wider, championing an open table where all backgrounds, generations, and journeys are embraced. In 1972 a Leisure Time Ministry program for Senior Citizens was organized. Another community-oriented program was established in 1972 with the beginning of Messiah Nursery School. Six young men from Messiah have been ordained into the ministry: Raymond Kvande, Richard Solberg, Charles Eiss, Richard Gilbert, Thomas Omholt, Eric Anderson. The congregation, under the pastoral guidance of Pastor Heller, mentored third year seminarian students from the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago: Jim Schmeltzer, Barry Hawkins, Lynn Erstsgaard, Jim Freichs, Frank Hanrahan, Randy Rottmann and George Detweiler, In 1975, Pastor Heller accepted a call from St. John’s Lutheran Church in Poughkeepsie. In December, 1975, Lloyd Berg accepted our call and served until spring of 1977 when he accepted a call from Lutheran Community Services. November of 1977 Pastor Paul Kroon began his pastorate at Messiah. During these years, renovations on the church entrance and improvements in Messiah Center were completed. He guided and extended the involvement with Messiah in the community. The Paul Kroon Center was dedicated on October 18, 1987 in memory of Pastor Kroon who served as our Shepherd (1977-1987). Pastor Lyle Guttu served as our Vice-Pastor until 1988 when our current Pastor, Garry Squire been and continues his ministry with us. Pastor Kroon established an “Island Sanctuary”. Pastor Squire helped us to continue this program. We have sponsored four families of refugees to abide with us over the years. Pastor Squire has helped us with our Nursery School, and community involvement by sponsoring Mom’s and Tot’s, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, Leisure Time Ministry, and the Martha Mary Society. Messiah continues to serve members with Sunday School, Choir, W.E.L.C.A. and Bible Study. Several Groups used and some still use our church facilities as a home and resource such as The Annadale Garden Club, the Staten Island Herb Society, the Philatelic Society, AA and Al-Anon. Right now Messiah sponsors 7 AA groups. We continue to provide support for many community outreach programs such as the Seaman’s Society, food pantries, school and seaman’s backpacks, Village of Hope in Haiti, and have given to several families hit with individual disasters. We have generously given to Lutheran Disaster Relief to aid in recovery from natural disasters. After many years of fund-raisers and gifts we were finally able to install a lift allowing access for those who are handicapped, to our sanctuary. It has been a wonderful addition to our home.