St. Luke History in brief

Building on Christ’s foundation- “I am the vine, you are the branches.”

In 1896 residents of the village of Gilbertsville wished to educate their children in the Christian faith closer to home than neighboring Boyertown and New Hanover. So they arranged to meet in the “lower schoolhouse” along Philadelphia Avenue. This community gathering became known as the Gilbertsville Sunday School.

They decided to build on that foundation. So, in 1913, on property donated by the local blacksmith, with materials purchased through local efforts and with labor offered by community volunteers, a chapel was constructed on Wilson Avenue. Sunday School classes were held and worship was conducted with the involvement of visiting Lutheran and Reformed pastors.

St. Luke Evangelical Lutheran Church was officially organized as a worshiping congregation in 1922. St. Luke shared pastoral leadership with the nearby Lutheran congregations of Christ (Niantic) and St. Paul’s (Sassamansville). In 1959 St. Luke called its first full-time pastor.

The congregation’s ministry continued to expand within the growing community and a new church facility was built in 1977 across Wilson Avenue. The facility today has since expanded further and includes a new wing and an outdoor pavilion.

Some community members ask about the connection between St. Luke Church and St. Luke Knoll’s, located to the rear of the church property. With the support of a local benefactor and federal funding, St. Luke Knoll’s was developed as an affordable senior citizen residential community with 40 single-bedroom apartments. It is separate, incorporated and is managed by its own leadership board.

Others ask about the scout cabin down the street along the creek. Since 1934, Boy Scouting has thrived at St. Luke for participants of all ages and continues strong today. The cabin, owned by the church, is a rustic retreat and program center for scouting and other activities.

Contact Information

Location: 35 Wilson Avenue, Gilbertsville PA, 19525

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 338 Gilbertsville PA, 19525

Phone Number: (610) 367-9738

Fax Number: (610) 367-8965

In addition to the previously mentioned methods of contacting us, please feel free to email us at stlukelutheran@dejazzd.com We will get back to you as soon as possible, thank you.