History of Peace Lutheran Church
Rev. Eugene Bensch, was called to start up this congregation. Nearly four acres along Dayton-Xenia Road were purchased.
The first service was held in the Knollwood Civic Building, which is now the Beavercreek Senior Citizen’s Center.
Rev. Eugene Bensch was installed as Peace’s first pastor and sixty-nine charter members were received into the congregation.
The first issue of the Tidings, the Church newsletter was published.

The groundbreaking service for Peace’s first worship unit and the parsonage was held.
Pastor Bensch and his wife, Barbara, move into the parsonage.

First worship service held in the new church.

The new church dedicated.
The church began to hold two worship services. By the end of 1958, Peace became self-supporting and had 171 members.
Pastor Bensch accepted a call to become the pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church (Cridersville, Ohio).

Rev. Dwight Hedrick installed as Peace’s second pastor.
Groundbreaking service was held for an Educational Unit.

The addition was dedicated. When membership surpassed 500 members, the congregation voted in 1965 to study the feasibility of building a new facility.
Groundbreaking services were held for the new sanctuary.

The new sanctuary was dedicated
Pastor Hedrick and his wife Marilyn moved to Peace Lutheran Church in Gahanna, Ohio
Dr. Max Culver, a pastor and professor at Capital University, served as the interim pastor.

Rev Arnold Athey installed as the pastor of Peace Lutheran Church.
The congregation purchased an additional four acres of land adjacent to the church property.
Rev. Richard Poock was installed as Associate Pastor.
Pastor Athey moved to Lacrosse, Wisconsin to become the pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.
Rev. Thomas Bernlohr was installed as Senior Pastor.
The congregation approved a recommendation from the Long-Range Planning Committee to hire a youth director. Since then Donna Laurence (1988-91), Cate Malone (1992-94), Sue Hedlund (1994-2003), Heather Lewantowicz (1995-97), Kirsten Roberts (1997-2001), Beth Townshend (2001-2007), Bryan Jaster (2007- 2014 ), Carissa Lopez (2014-2015) and Deacon Dan Jacob (2018-2021). Since 1994, Sue Hedlund (1994-2003) and Julie Jones-Wright (2003-16) have coordinated our children’s and youth ministries.
An architect was hired for a new facility.
Pastor Poock retired from full-time ministry.
Rev. Robert Brown was installed as Associate Pastor.
Ground breaking for the addition was held.
The church added a year-round Saturday worship service.
The facilities were dedicated and are now being used by many community organizations.

Linda Cole was installed as Associate in Ministry (now known as Deacon) for Parish Administration and Pastoral Care.
The church added a third worship service on Sunday morning.
Seminarian Tom Batterman began his year of internship and was ordained in April, 2006.
Peace members began a ministry partnership with the members and programs at Christ Lutheran Church, an urban congregation in Old North Dayton.
50th anniversary of Peace commemorated.

Rev. Stephen Kimm is called as Senior Pastor.
Peace members began a ministry partnership with the members and programs at North Riverdale Lutheran Church.

Seminarian Larry Grunden began his year of internship.
Kevin E Pyle hired as Parish Administrator.
Rev. P. Douglas (Doug) Campbell begins as Interim Associate Pastor.
Pastor Robert Brown’s retirement is effective.
Deacon Linda Cole’s retirement is effective.

Linda Hill Lally is hired as Director of Music

Rev. Carey Hovland was installed as Associate Pastor.
Deacon Dan Jacob hired as youth director
Parking Lot vote for Renew Campaign and Renovation during COVID-19 Pandemic
Renovation Begins during COVID-19 Pandemic
Dedication of Renovation Sanctuary with guest Bishop Dillahunt
Deacon Dan Jacob resigned as youth director
ReNew Capital Campaign rolled over into a Mortgage with our General Budget