In 1942, under the leadership of Rev. Howard Halter, the Church moved off Concordia's campus. During the following years, worship services were held in three mansions under the name of Bronxville Community Chapel (Lutheran). In 1946 the Leonard Mansion, our present facility located behind the Great Porch, was the site of four Church services and two sessions of Sunday School each Sunday. Worship attendance averaged 150 and Sunday School attendance averaged 160. Chapel School opened its doors in 1947 with an initial enrollment of 46 children in nursery school and kindergarten. Chapel School was the first church-related pre-school and kindergarten in Westchester County.
God richly blessed the Church and School in the following years. The Sanctuary, the Great Porch and the Bell Tower were erected. A kitchen facility and a church undercroft were outfitted as a fellowship area. Chapel School doubled its enrollment and added grades one, two and three. The congregation increased to over 600 members. Additional space was needed.
In 1960 the Church sanctuary was expanded. Chancel and choir transept areas were added to the sanctuary. Seating capacity increased to 350. the stage was added to the undercroft area permitting Church and School dramatic presentations. The Friendship room was added next and spacious classrooms were added above and below this room.
During the 1960's Chapel School expanded through Grade 8 with a capacity enrollment of 260. To support the growing enrollment, classrooms in Concordia College's Stein Hall were rented. In addition, the Friendship Room was used as a classroom for a number of years.
In 1973, Pastor James C. Zwernemann was called as the Senior Pastor. Under Rev. Dr. Zwernemann's leadership, the Village Lutheran Church and Chapel School continued to grow during the 70's, 80's and 90's. As the 90's drew to a close, space became the pressing need as the congregation desired growth and new programs. In 2002 a 30,000 square foot building project was completed to expand our facilities.
In order to build the addition an $8,000,000 loan was taken out from Lutheran Church Extension Fund (with the support of the Atlantic District) and a Capital Campaign was developed to meet the needs.
The tremendous growth of our family of faith has presented us with unique challenges and opportunities. In 2003, Rev. Dr. Robert Hartwell was called as our Senior Pastor. Under the banner ACME, commitment to excellence in (A)dministration, (C)ommunity outreach, (M)usic anmd worship and (E)ducatiuon, the congregation and school continues to respond to the challenges, mindful of our responsibilities to our congregation, our children and our community.
