History

On February 6, 1966, in response to the City Mission closing, a group of Lutheran pastors and community leaders opened Faith Mission. At 5 p.m. sharp, the doors opened and 14 men entered to eat a hot meal and warm themselves. Initially, the budget was around $200 a month, and the mission depended on congregational groups to provide the meals as well as a nightly worship service. A lot has changed since those days, but our core mission remains the same—to provide a welcoming meal, safe and warm shelter, and hope for a brighter future.

Faith Mission 50th Anniversary Timeline

old newspaper picture of skid row

1965: The Plunge

To understand just how Faith Mission has evolved, you must go back to before Faith Mission even existed. In 1965 Reverend Harold Goers, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church on South Third Street, went to Chicago to take part in an urban training program. He participated in a part of the program known as “the plunge”.

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old newspaper picture

1978: FAITHFUL TO FAITH MISSION

The early years of Faith Mission were devoted to helping Columbus’ most desperate men. Many of them were addicts or alcoholics.

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old cross outside Faith Mission

1979: ONLY CHURCH IN TOWN TRYING TO DIMINISH CONGREGATION

Faith Mission was started by a group of faithful Lutherans in 1966. For many of those beginning years, homeless men were invited to participate in a worship service before enjoying the hot meal served every evening.

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Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio is a United Way agency, a member of Lutheran Services in America and a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
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