Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church was first established in 1896. Though it has a longstanding presence in the Portage community, it is relatively new to the Evangelical Lutheran Synod. In the late 1990s, the congregation entered into talks with the ELS after difficult disputes with its previous church body over both doctrine and congregational polity. Since its beginnings, Hope has had a close relationship with Pastor Fred Lams and his congregation (Grace, Hobart, IN). This relationship is greatly treasured both because of our shared history and because we are the only two ELS congregations in the state of Indiana.
Portage is a town of about 37,000 souls and is on the edge of the greater Chicago community. Located along I-94, the community gets many travelers each day. Being in a highly populated and well-traveled area means that we are in the midst of many people who are in need of hearing the Gospel. Because of our convenient location and the low number of fellowship churches in northern Indiana, each summer we enjoy a number of ELS/WELS visitors as they travel on vacation. If you are in the area, stop by and visit us.
Rev. David Locklair
Contributing Writer
Hope Lutheran Church
Portage, IN
