A Swedish-Lutheran Corner of Malden Since 1893
First Lutheran Church has stood at the corner of Church and Waite Streets in Malden, Massachusetts since October 10, 1897, but the congregation itself was formed four years earlier, on October 26, 1893, when a Harvard student named Jonas P. Dahlin began ministering to the Swedish immigrant families then populating Malden and Everett. Dahlin offered worship and fellowship in the language and style of the Swedish Lutheran Church, and a Lutheran Christian congregation grew up around that mission. The Rev. Carl Henderson became its first pastor, land was purchased at the corner where the church still stands, and the building was dedicated in the autumn of 1897. It remains one of the oldest houses of worship in the city of Malden.
Over more than a century, First Lutheran has woven itself into the civic and spiritual life of its neighborhood. A parsonage was built in 1919 under Pastor Henry Hanson; that building now serves as the Parish House, housing Sunday school classes, adult education, parish offices, and a host of meetings. The church structure was expanded under Pastor Dr. John Eckholm beginning in 1928, and the Brotherhood under his leadership organized the first Lucia Fest in December 1932, a celebration of Saint Lucy that continues every early December. Children process as Saint Lucia, the congregation sings Christmas carols, and tables groan with Swedish baked goods. Pastor Hilding Kron and organist Leonard Bratt built the congregation's reputation for fine music in the following decades; Bratt served as organist from 1937 until his death in 1976.
The mid-twentieth century brought further changes. Pastor Emil Carlson (1948) grew the congregation and improved the building; Pastor Vincent Ligouri, who followed, oversaw a new parsonage, the conversion of the old one to the Parish House, a new steeple, and a new organ. In 1966, Bethlehem Lutheran Church of Everett merged into First Lutheran. The Rev. James Knowles led from 1977 to 2003, introducing the Lutheran Book of Worship in 1979 and guiding a major sanctuary renovation in 1983. In January 1988, the congregation formally became part of the newly formed Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).
First Lutheran has continued to evolve with its neighborhood. The Rev. Angela Freeman, called in July 2005, was the first woman to serve as full-time pastor; in 2007 she guided the adoption of a new Purpose Statement and Guiding Principles. The Rev. Rachel Manke followed in 2012 and led a renewing ministry process supported by a New England Synod grant. The Rev. Dave Dalzell served as transitional pastor from 2015 to 2017, when the Rev. Emily Hamilton was called. Under her leadership, First Lutheran adopted an Affirmation of Welcome in January 2017 and became a Reconciling in Christ congregation, publicly committing to the full inclusion of LGBTQ+ people.
Becoming Hope Lutheran Church
In recent seasons, First Lutheran has been sharing ministry, fellowship, and worship with Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Woburn (60 Forest Park Road). On the first, second, third, and fifth Sundays of each month, the two congregations have worshipped together at Redeemer; on the fourth Sunday, they have gathered in Malden. Worship is held at 9:30 a.m., online and in person.
The collaboration has now reached a defining moment. First Lutheran Church will merge with Lutheran Church of the Redeemer on Sunday, October 11, and the combined congregation will be known as Hope Lutheran Church, meeting at 60 Forest Park Road in Woburn. The opening worship service is set for 9:30 a.m. on that day. The two congregations describe their coming together plainly: We are church together.
Worship: Liturgical, Spirited, Open
Worship at First Lutheran follows the Lutheran pattern of liturgy as the work of the people. Visitors are greeted warmly at the door and handed a printed bulletin that walks through the order of service. Hymns are found in the red hymnal, with occasional extra songs printed in the bulletin. Some people rise in body, some in spirit. Morning people arrive early; others drift in with coffee. The music is spirited, and the pastor's sermons connect the Bible lessons to daily life.
People dress both casually and in their Sunday best, and a wide range of clothing is welcome. Holy Communion is celebrated each Sunday. All are invited to the table - baptized and not, certain and doubtful - with wine, grape juice, and gluten-free options available. Those who prefer a blessing instead of receiving the Eucharist are invited to come forward for that as well.
Children of all ages and volumes are welcome in worship. The congregation believes children learn by seeing, hearing, and participating as they are able, and the sounds of small voices are part of the assembly. There is no formal childcare, but a nursery and changing table are available downstairs in the vestry.
The sanctuary is reached by going up several stairs with a handrail. The building currently has no ramp, chair lift, or elevator, and assistive hearing devices are not yet available. Scripture and sermons are projected with a microphone.
Joining From Anywhere: Livestream and Online
Sunday worship is livestreamed on Zoom at 9:30 a.m. (Meeting ID: 473 664 069) and is also shared on Facebook. The church's Facebook page hosts recordings and live video. Those who prefer to call in can dial +1 646 558 8656 (US East Coast) with the same meeting ID. During Pastor Emily's sabbatical in summer 2022, the two congregations experimented with alternating locations every week, and the model proved so fruitful that it became the standing rhythm.
Fellowship, Coffee Hour, and Pop-Up Pastor
Following worship, the community gathers for a fellowship hour. On the first Sunday of every month, members bring coffee and treats to share; the calendar of treats rotates among regulars. Some linger to visit with friends; others head out quickly. Participation is always a matter of choice.
Pastor Emily also keeps a regular office outside the walls of the church. On Thursdays from 12 to 2 p.m., she sets up as the Pop-Up Pastor at coffee shops near Malden. Anyone is welcome to stop by for a conversation about faith, life, or anything in between.
Saved by Grace: What Lutherans Believe Here
The congregation's core confession runs through Ephesians 2:8-9: For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast. The church teaches that salvation in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who died for our sins and rose that we may live new lives, is a free gift from God. No one can earn it, and no one has to. Martin Luther is quoted often: Faith is God's work in us. It changes us and makes us to be born anew of God.
Lutherans at First Lutheran love the Bible and read it as the inspired Word of God about God's interaction with people in the world. The Bible is read through the lens of God's grace: inspired by the Holy Spirit, recorded by faithful people, and the story of God and God's people. Its heart is the good news that Jesus Christ died and rose again to bring all into a new relationship with God.
Worship is liturgical, meaning it is the work of the people. Each Sunday, the assembly sings hymns, hears readings from the Bible, listens to the sermon, and receives Holy Communion. The congregation belongs to the New England Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
A Vision Rooted in Christ
First Lutheran's vision statement reads: Energized by the Holy Spirit, we worship God and share the love of Jesus Christ with all people. Five guiding principles shape the life of the congregation:
- We believe Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior.
- We are baptized in Christ and called to serve others.
- We believe our lives are shaped by prayer, scripture and Holy Communion.
- We live to tell the story of Jesus Christ.
- We trust the Holy Spirit to move us in unexpected ways.
Reconciling in Christ: A Public Welcome
At its Annual Meeting on January 22, 2017, First Lutheran Church adopted an Affirmation of Welcome and voted to become a Reconciling in Christ (RIC) congregation. The affirmation names a deep welcome: of all sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions, races, ethnicities, ages, faith histories, economic statuses, marital statuses, physical and mental abilities, and education. The congregation recognizes that there are differences among us, but believes that we can love alike even though we may not think alike.
In September 2022, the church council voted to update the statement of welcome to include a specific commitment to anti-racism. The council also affirmed openness to calling a rostered leader who is LGBTQIA+ and/or Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color; a willingness to provide space and sanctuary for LGBTQIA+ weddings and blessings; and a meaningful annual financial contribution to ReconcilingWorks. First Lutheran is listed in the ReconcilingWorks roster at www.reconcilingworks.org.
CATS: A Queer-Normative Space for Teens
Chill and Talk Space, known as CATS, is one of First Lutheran's distinctive gifts to the wider community. CATS is a safe, welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ youth and allies in grades 6-12, where young people can be themselves without judgment, explore their identities, receive accurate information and relevant resources, connect with the Divine, and experience a queer-normative environment.
CATS meets downstairs at First Lutheran Church (98 Waite St, Malden) on the first and third Thursday of each month from 6 to 8 p.m. Dinner is provided, with gluten-free options standard. Programming balances unstructured conversation with discussions facilitated by LGBTQ+ adults and allies, and includes games, crafts, coloring, writing, movies, karaoke, yoga, foosball, and the occasional dance party. Background checks are required of all adult volunteers, and at least two unrelated adults are present with youth at all times.
First Lutheran also hosts Malden's chapter of Greater Boston PFLAG, which meets on the second and fourth Thursday at 6 p.m. and welcomes all caretakers in open and honest discussions. A spaghetti dinner held in January 2023 helped kick off a Parents and Caregivers of Trans and Non-Binary Kids support group, with leaders trained and supported by Greater Boston PFLAG.
Camp Uke: Strings, Singing, and Summer Friendships
Camp Uke is the congregation's signature youth music program, serving students in grades 3-12 through weekly lessons and a weeklong summer camp. Lessons typically meet at 6 p.m. on Tuesdays during the school year, with separate tracks for beginners, intermediates, and advanced players.
The annual weeklong camp welcomes students of all experience levels to learn chords, strumming, and special arrangements, while also making art, singing, playing games, and joining a year-end concert for family and friends hosted jointly with Lutheran Church of the Redeemer. Camp themes have included Love is a Verb and Peacemakers, and tuition includes lunch. Ukuleles are provided for campers who need them, and scholarships are available. Camp Uke welcomes students of all religions, races, classes, sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions.
Outside of camp, the church hosts a casual Malden Ukulele Meet Up for players, singers, guitarists, and other instrumentalists who want to make music together. Spare ukuleles are available to borrow, and the group has put together songbooks of favorite tunes.
Sunday School and Confirmation
Children ages four and up gather for Sunday school twice a month during the school year to sing, pray, learn Bible stories, make crafts, and participate in other activities. On the second Sunday of the month, students meet at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Woburn for a multi-age lesson; on the fourth Sunday, the youngest students meet in Malden. Teachers are required to file for regular background checks, and two teachers are always present with the class.
Confirmation class is open to students in grades 6-8 who want to explore questions about God, religion, the Bible, and the world, whether they already have a strong faith or are simply open to exploration. The class covers the Bible, basic prayers and statements of faith, communion, and baptism. Confirmation refers to confirming the promises made in baptism, and the class gives youth tools to study the Bible and grow in faith throughout their lives.
Adult Education
Adult education is typically offered at 11 a.m. after worship, alongside Sunday school. Past offerings have included Lutheran Worship 101, Bible studies on the weekly readings and on Women of the Bible, a presentation on Melake Tekle of Eritrea, a session on life and faith in Namibia led by a local PhD student, and videos like Rick Steves' Luther and the Reformation. Seasonal events have included Advent crafts, Christmas pageants, Lenten studies, and Holy Week story walks.
God's Work, Our Hands: Outreach in Malden
First Lutheran's ministry extends well beyond its walls. Once a month, members serve a meal at Bread of Life in Malden. The congregation supports the local Salemwood School with an annual backpack and school supply drive, a coat drive, and grocery store gift cards throughout the year. Twice a month, members bring communion and worship to the seniors at Forestdale Park. The church participates in the Malden River Clean Up and other service projects throughout the year, such as cleaning up the bike path.
In winter 2023, one of the church's own, Donna, traveled with other members of the New England Synod to visit partners in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Jordan and the Holy Land. The pilgrimage included visits to the Jordan River, the Sea of Galilee, Jerusalem, and Bethlehem, sites read about in scripture. The church also partners with the New England Synod for joint retreats, including a collaboration retreat at Calumet.
The Liturgical Year at First Lutheran
The congregation marks the seasons of the church year with care. Advent is observed with seven weeks of waiting and preparation, beginning in November. The Christmas season brings 4:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. services on Christmas Eve, the latter with candlelight and Silent Night, as well as a 9:30 a.m. Christmas Day service. Ash Wednesday opens Lent with solemnity and the marking of ashes. Shrove Tuesday brings a pancake supper with a free-will offering for ELCA World Hunger. Holy Week includes Palm Sunday with its outdoor procession around the neighborhood, a Maundy Thursday dinner church, Good Friday services, the Great Vigil of Easter at First Lutheran Church in Lynn, and Easter Sunday worship.
The annual Lucia Fest in early December is a beloved tradition begun in 1932. A young woman is chosen each year to represent Saint Lucia, who brings the light of God's love into the darkest places. The festival includes a brief procession, much laughter, beloved Christmas carols, and the Swedish baked goods that have marked the celebration for nearly a century.
Music at the Heart of Worship
Music has been central to First Lutheran's identity since the days of Pastor Kron and organist Leonard Bratt in the 1930s. Today's Music Director, Dr. Yun Lee, is a native of Philadelphia who earned her Bachelor's degree in Music and History from Swarthmore College, where she studied piano with Harvey Wedeen and Charles Abramovic, and recently completed a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Collaborative Piano from Boston University. Her dissertation focused on Olivier Messiaen's song cycle Poemes pour Mi. She performs regularly as a chamber musician and song recitalist throughout New England, and she also teaches at the Winchester Community School of Music and the Performing Arts Center of Metrowest in Framingham.
Choir practice meets at 8:30 a.m. during the school year on Sundays. When First Lutheran and Lutheran Church of the Redeemer gather for joint worship, a joint choir sings; the spirit-filled performance of Every Time I Feel the Spirit at Pentecost was one recent highlight, with the choir exploring the dynamic meaning of a song that invites prayer every time the Spirit moves.
Giving and Stewardship
The congregation believes everything it has is a gift from God and that giving is a spiritual practice which releases us from what we cling to and frees us for ministry in God's kingdom. Offerings can be made one-time or recurring through PayPal, or via the Vanco Mobile Faith Engagement app, which allows giving by direct bank transfer or credit and debit card. Paper givers can set up recurring giving with VANCO Simply Giving; checks may also be mailed directly to 62 Church St, Malden, MA 02148. The annual stewardship theme for the most recent campaign, Rooted in Grace, Growing in Generosity, drew on Luke 15:31: You are always with me, and all that is mine is yours.
Finding the Church
The church sanctuary sits at 98 Waite Street, at the corner of Waite and Church Streets near Holy Cross Cemetery and a CVS. The mailing address and parish offices are at 62 Church Street. There is generally plenty of street parking. The Malden bike path runs nearby; visitors arriving by bike can follow the path to the intersection of Route 99 and turn left out of the path onto Waite Street. By public transit, the 106 bus line stops a short walk away at the Lebanon/Salem St Stop.
Leadership
The Rev. Emily Hamilton has served as pastor since 2017. She grew up in Rochester, NY, studied religion at Vassar College, and received her M.Div. with a focus on preaching and worship at Union Theological Seminary. She is passionate about social justice, having worked for the full participation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in the Lutheran Church and in prevention education about intimate partner violence. She was ordained in August of 2017. She loves making music (singing, playing piano, guitar, and now the ukulele), running, vegetarian cooking, novels, poetry, and overly dramatic television.
Dr. Yun Lee leads the music program as Music Director. The parish office is staffed by Office Administrator Annette D'Onofrio, a Malden local active in the community in many ways, who has brought her care and concern for Malden to her work at First Lutheran since 2005.
Looking Forward as Hope Lutheran Church
As First Lutheran Church in Malden and Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Woburn become Hope Lutheran Church, the ministries that have grown up in both places will continue. Camp Uke, CATS, the Bread of Life partnership, the Forestdale Park communion visits, Malden PFLAG, the Lucia Fest, and the Sunday school and confirmation classes all reflect a congregation that has long imagined itself as a transforming community rooted in faith in Christ, so that, energized and inspired, it can nourish one another and the world. Hope Lutheran Church will carry that mission forward from its new home at 60 Forest Park Road in Woburn.