The Beginning
The church began in 1904 as a mission of the First Presbyterian Church (“Old Stone”) on Public Square in downtown Cleveland. Old Stone’s assistant pastor, the Rev. Alfred Wright, rode his horse to Lakewood on Sunday afternoons to conduct worship services. Eventually, Dr. Wright was installed as the founding pastor. During his 21 year pastorate, the congregation grew rapidly as did other Lakewood churches. The first structure was dedicated in 1907 and continues to serve as a small chapel.
1918 – 1972
A large neo-Gothic sanctuary was built and dedicated in 1918. Dr. LeRoy Lawther served as senior pastor from 1927 to 1953. The church became known for its large fellowship groups for singles and newly married couples. Thousands of people met their spouses at LPC in those days. Dr. L. Wilson Kilgore was the church’s third pastor, serving from 1954-1964. The congregation continued to grow. A new educational and office wing was added in 1950 to accommodate the large numbers of baby boom children. Dr. Jack Stanley Hart arrived to lead the church in 1965. During Dr. Hart’s pastorate, the sanctuary was reconfigured, stained glass windows were installed under the direction of the late artisan, Douglas Phillips, and a forty-rank Holtkamp pipe organ was built. The church’s music ministry flourished under the leadership of Margaret “Peg” Limkemann who served as Minister of Music and Organist until her retirement in 2011.
1973 – 2000
The Rev. Dr. Richard Watts succeeded Dr. Hart as senior pastor in 1973. The Presbyterian Peacemaking ministry had its impetus at LPC that began with the “Swords into Plowshares” program initiated by Dr. Watts who left LPC in 1980 to become our denomination’s first Director of Peacemaking Ministries. Dr. Paul DeBeer served from 1981 to 1991. Known as an outstanding preacher, Dr. DeBeer touched many lives with his thoughtful, persuasive sermons. John Howard Reed succeeded DeBeer in 1992. During Reed’s pastorate, the church began the Good Samaritan Ministry in which a considerable amount of endowment money was made available for grants for local mission initiatives, and the church’s monthly community meal was founded.
2001 – Present
The Rev. Dr. James Butler succeeded Reed in 2001. The church embarked on a strategic planning initiative which has resulted in a new staff design, systemic organizational changes, a complete refurbishing of the building including the construction of the beautiful 15,000 square foot “Kilgore Ministry Center” (named for the church’s third pastor) building that houses church offices, library, and class and conference rooms. The church celebrated its centennial anniversary in 2005. Several beloved associate pastors have served the congregation throughout the years, including David Forsberg, Merton McKendry (named LPC’s “pastor emeritus”), Ray Banner, Jody LeFort, and Anne McCabe.