Historical Context
Shared History with Lenoir-Rhyne University
St. Andrew's, also known as "the College Church," was founded on January 29, 1893. The church first organized in the chapel of Lenoir-Rhyne College's (now Lenoir-Rhyne University's) "Old Main" during its second academic year. College personnel played active roles in the congregation from the beginning. Three of the college's four founders and their families helped to charter the congregation. Members of the faculty doubled as pastors of the congregation for the first 31 years. Eleven of Lenoir-Rhyne's presidents, in addition to many faculty and staff, have been members of St. Andrew's.
For the first 17 years, all congregational activities took place in college facilities. In 1910, the first church building, located on campus, was constructed. The current St. Andrew's building was completed in 1951. It was built as a cooperative effort between the congregation, Lenoir-Rhyne, and the North Carolina Synod and is jointly owned by all three. Prior to the construction of Grace Chapel on Lenoir-Rhyne's campus (completed in 2014), St. Andrew's current church building was used extensively by the college for musical and other ceremonies and performances.
Shared History with Lutherhaus
Located next door to St. Andrew's, Lutherhaus, built in 1981, is a 50-unit housing complex for older adults and people with disabilities. As one of its founding partners, St. Andrew's maintains a relationship with the staff at Lutherhaus and continues to offer residents opportunities to engage in worship and special projects, such as bingo parties and a community composting program for Lutherhaus residents managed by UCHS students.
Shared History with University Christian High School
During 2009, St. Andrew's welcomed a partnership with the newly formed University Christian High School (UCHS), and student life returned as a regular part of weekday activity at St. Andrew's. This partnership with UCHS continues today as the Christ centered school continues to grow.
St. Andrew's Today
While St. Andrew's families share a rich history that intertwines with Lenoir-Rhyne, today's congregation represents a cross-section of the greater Hickory community. As a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), St. Andrew's demonstrates strong support for the church at-large, for its mission around the world, and for local service and outreach organizations throughout the greater Hickory area. Through partnership with other local denominations and service groups, members of St. Andrew's participate in efforts to weave a stronger, more resilient, inclusive community. Members strive to live the words of Jesus from Luke 22:27, "I am among you as one who serves."
In addition to being deeply invested in the community, the congregation at St. Andrew's celebrates a rich liturgical and musical worship tradition. With a full-time pastor and a professional director of music, much care is taken to share enriching and meaningful worship experiences that encourage spiritual growth and education. Learning opportunities are offered for all ages. These include Sunday school for adults and children, small group prayer and Bible study, vocal and handbell choirs, and vacation Bible school. Throughout the year, St. Andrew's hosts a variety of activities and events in addition to worshiping together: book discussions, game nights, ice cream socials, and concerts. Even during the pandemic, we've continued offering safe, distanced opportunities through creative use of technology and the US Postal Service.
St. Andrew's campus is located at the start of the City of Hickory's City Walk, and the property includes a: sanctuary, parking area, administration/school building, fellowship hall with attached kitchen, chapel, memorial garden, and an shared outdoor worship area.
As a worship community, St. Andrew's members continue to look forward with intention. The congregation is in the early stages of Revitalization. During this time, church members will be listening to God, listening to each other, and listening to the community about what God is calling St. Andrew's to be in the future. It's an exciting opportunity to work with the North Carolina Synod to rekindle our congregation's spirit and reinforce a sense of shared mission to the larger community.
Shared History with Lenoir-Rhyne University
St. Andrew's, also known as "the College Church," was founded on January 29, 1893. The church first organized in the chapel of Lenoir-Rhyne College's (now Lenoir-Rhyne University's) "Old Main" during its second academic year. College personnel played active roles in the congregation from the beginning. Three of the college's four founders and their families helped to charter the congregation. Members of the faculty doubled as pastors of the congregation for the first 31 years. Eleven of Lenoir-Rhyne's presidents, in addition to many faculty and staff, have been members of St. Andrew's.
For the first 17 years, all congregational activities took place in college facilities. In 1910, the first church building, located on campus, was constructed. The current St. Andrew's building was completed in 1951. It was built as a cooperative effort between the congregation, Lenoir-Rhyne, and the North Carolina Synod and is jointly owned by all three. Prior to the construction of Grace Chapel on Lenoir-Rhyne's campus (completed in 2014), St. Andrew's current church building was used extensively by the college for musical and other ceremonies and performances.
Shared History with Lutherhaus
Located next door to St. Andrew's, Lutherhaus, built in 1981, is a 50-unit housing complex for older adults and people with disabilities. As one of its founding partners, St. Andrew's maintains a relationship with the staff at Lutherhaus and continues to offer residents opportunities to engage in worship and special projects, such as bingo parties and a community composting program for Lutherhaus residents managed by UCHS students.
Shared History with University Christian High School
During 2009, St. Andrew's welcomed a partnership with the newly formed University Christian High School (UCHS), and student life returned as a regular part of weekday activity at St. Andrew's. This partnership with UCHS continues today as the Christ centered school continues to grow.
St. Andrew's Today
While St. Andrew's families share a rich history that intertwines with Lenoir-Rhyne, today's congregation represents a cross-section of the greater Hickory community. As a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), St. Andrew's demonstrates strong support for the church at-large, for its mission around the world, and for local service and outreach organizations throughout the greater Hickory area. Through partnership with other local denominations and service groups, members of St. Andrew's participate in efforts to weave a stronger, more resilient, inclusive community. Members strive to live the words of Jesus from Luke 22:27, "I am among you as one who serves."
In addition to being deeply invested in the community, the congregation at St. Andrew's celebrates a rich liturgical and musical worship tradition. With a full-time pastor and a professional director of music, much care is taken to share enriching and meaningful worship experiences that encourage spiritual growth and education. Learning opportunities are offered for all ages. These include Sunday school for adults and children, small group prayer and Bible study, vocal and handbell choirs, and vacation Bible school. Throughout the year, St. Andrew's hosts a variety of activities and events in addition to worshiping together: book discussions, game nights, ice cream socials, and concerts. Even during the pandemic, we've continued offering safe, distanced opportunities through creative use of technology and the US Postal Service.
St. Andrew's campus is located at the start of the City of Hickory's City Walk, and the property includes a: sanctuary, parking area, administration/school building, fellowship hall with attached kitchen, chapel, memorial garden, and an shared outdoor worship area.
As a worship community, St. Andrew's members continue to look forward with intention. The congregation is in the early stages of Revitalization. During this time, church members will be listening to God, listening to each other, and listening to the community about what God is calling St. Andrew's to be in the future. It's an exciting opportunity to work with the North Carolina Synod to rekindle our congregation's spirit and reinforce a sense of shared mission to the larger community.
