Golden Anniversary For Monroe House Of Worship

MONROE — On Sunday, November 6, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, at 466 Elm Street in Monroe, celebrated the 50th anniversary of its founding. While based in Monroe, the church also includes many Newtown and Sandy Hook residents among its members.

An All Saints Sunday service was conducted, which featured music and lyrics written by congregation member Mickey Pelella and Pastor Bryan A. Leone. Synod Bishop Margaret Payne was the guest preacher.

Following the 10:30 am service, brunch was held in the church hall, named Gibiser Hall in honor of founders Anna and Frank Gibiser. 

The congregation was organized in 1961 by the Gibisers, who recognized the need for a Lutheran church in Monroe. The group was originally chartered in the Augustana Synod, which later became the Lutheran Church of America. The LCA evolved into the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA) and Good Shepherd is now a member of the New England Synod of the ELCA.

The November 6 service and brunch were attended by more than 100 people, including some founding members and original pastor, the Reverend Orville Lind. Reverend Lind traveled from Florida with his wife Donna to be part of the festivities.

On display were several mementos, including the original blueprints for the current church and scrapbooks and photos dating back to GSLC’s inception.

In its early years the church group met at the East Village Methodist Church. When the group outgrew that venue they convened in Monroe Elementary School. In the early 1960s they moved into their current location at 466 Elm Street.

Over the years the church has grown to include a full adult and youth religious education program, a choir, bell choir, and numerous outreach and social ministry programs.