Luther rose - Wikipedia

the lutheran house at chautauqua

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Our History

Since 1890 there has been a Lutheran presence at Chautauqua. 2015 marked the 125th anniversary of that presence and the 90th anniversary of the current Lutheran House.

The first headquarters for Lutheran worship and activity was established during the 1890 Chautauqua season at 28 Foster, the summer home of Pastor and Mrs. Isaac O. Baker of Erie, PA. The initial aim was to make the headquarters a common meeting place for all Lutherans, irrespective of nationality, language or synodical affiliation.

In 1916 the Lutheran Chautauqua Women's Association made an appeal to various organizations of the Lutheran churches for a new building. This appeal was a success and a new building (our present Lutheran House) was dedicated on August 9, 1925.

For 125 years there has been a Lutheran presence at Chautauqua and a Lutheran House since 1925. An important part of our Lutheran ministry has been to create a welcoming place for our guests. We have been fortunate to have had the following women as Hostesses during the past 90 years.

Mrs. G. G. Ruff, 1925-1948
Mrs. Gladys Schake, 1949-1977
Mrs. Rachel Westerberg, 1978-1983
Mrs. Delores Bergstrand, 1984-1991
Mrs. Karla Jensen, 1992-2003
Ms. Jane Sampsell Nye, 2004-2008
Ms. Christine A. Hylenski, 2009-2014
Mr. Jerry and Mrs. Sue Keppel 2014-2021

Each previous Hostess has brought special gifts to share with all and built a stronger presence for Lutherans at Chautauqua.

About the association

The mission of the Lutheran Chautauqua Association is to provide a Lutheran identity on the grounds of the Chautauqua Institution through witness, worship, fellowship, hospitality and recreation.

Contacts

lutheranhousehost@gmail.com
(716) 357-2135 (Late June to End of August)
Address: 25 Peck Avenue, Box 1108, Cautauqua, NY, 14722