THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, March 21, 1996 TAG: 9603200198
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 08 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TRUDY CUTHRELL, CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: FRANKLIN LENGTH: Medium: 96 lines
WHEN THE REV. Harold J. Harter approached retirement after 41 years in the ministry, he wondered what he would do.
``I still have a lot of energy,'' said Harter, 67. ``And I knew that I couldn't just do nothing.''
In December, Harter's answer came just before his last service at Reformation Lutheran Church in Newport News: a plea for aid from Grace Lutheran Church in Franklin. This group of about 50 parishioners, spread out across Southampton and Isle of Wight counties, needed a part-time pastor to lead their worship services and provide pastoral care.
So before Harter could pack up his theological books and hang up his vestry robe for retirement, he headed to Franklin and set up a new office in Emmanuel Episcopal Church, the temporary meeting place for Grace Lutheran's congregation.
Now, after just a month at his new post, Harter is feeling right at home. ``This keeps me busy, and it's very enjoyable,'' Harter noted. ``These are very fine people with a great deal of stick-to-itiveness. I see great potential here for this congregation.''
Grace began as a mission church in January 1970 with preaching services initiated by the Rev. George Plvan, pastor of St. John the Baptist Lutheran Church in Emporia.
At first, Grace members gathered for services in the Holland Funeral Home. Then, in December 1972, the congregation began meeting in the facilities of Emmanuel Episcopal Church at 400 N. Main St.
In February 1973, a three-month mission feasibility study of the Franklin area was requested by Grace in conjunction with the Mission Board of the SELC District and the Mission Board of the Southeastern District.
On January 13, 1974, Grace Lutheran observed a Charter Sunday and officially organized as a congregation with the Rev. Duane Bogenschneider as pastor in a worker-priest capacity.
Since organizing, Grace has remained consistent in membership and faithful in spirit. ``At the present, we are evaluating what we have, where we are and where we want to go,'' Harter said.
``Our foremost desire is to share our Lord Jesus Christ in a meaningful way. Also, we want to be helpful in the community wherever we can be,'' he said.
Already Grace members participate in a community church cooperative that provides food, clothing and financial assistance to those in need. ``Our church will continue to be flexible and community-caring,'' Harter said. ``I can see this as an important thrust of our ministry.''
Currently, Grace Lutheran holds weekly worship services at 9 a.m. on Sundays in the sanctuary at Emmanuel Episcopal Church. Following worship, Sunday School begins at 10:15 a.m. in the homes of members. Also, a Ladies Fellowship Group is active in ministry, and a choir is being formed. During the Lenten Season, services will be held every Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at Emmanuel Episcopal Church.
Since arriving in Franklin, Harter has traveled across the county and into North Carolina visiting the Grace membership. ``Right now I'm getting to know the people - their needs, wants, desires, hopes and dreams,'' Harter explained.
Harter has made contacts with other local pastors and community leaders as well. And he's emphasized to the Grace congregation the importance of praying for their local, state and national leaders.
As a seasoned pastor, Harter relies on the Bible as his standard. ``I take God's Word and base everything on that,'' he said. ``If it's contrary to God's Word, then it's not right.''
Harter's passion is ``to share Jesus as Lord, as Savior, as Healer and as Compassionate God . . . The God of the Universe loves everyone, no matter who they are or what they have done . . . He is able to rescue them from themselves and their circumstances.''
According to Harter, Grace members look forward to a time of owning their own facility. ``The desire is there,'' he said. ``But only the Lord knows the right time and place.''
In the meantime, Grace members are appreciative of their friends at Emmanuel Episcopal Church. ``They have been very kind to us,'' Harter pointed out. ``They have been very gracious in sharing with us their facilities.''
Harter, a native of Hicksville, L.I., served congregations in New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and New Hampshire before moving to Virginia in 1987. Harter and his wife, Gloria, reside in Newport News. They have three grown children. MEMO: AT A GLANCE
Grace Lutheran Church
400 N. High St., Franklin
569-8953
Established: January 1970
Membership: 50
Weekly services:
9 a.m. Sundays - Worship (at Emmanuel Episcopal Church)
10:15 a.m. Sundays - Sunday School
7:30 p.m. Tuesdays - Lenten Service (through Easter) ILLUSTRATION: Photo
The Rev. Harold J. Harter
by CNB