St. John’s Lutheran Church and the ELCA Southeastern Synod held its ribbon cutting and dedication of the Troutman-Gordy Pavilion, Saturday, January 19, 2019.  Approximately 150 Lutherans, neighbors, and friends gathered for this auspicious occasion.

The Troutman-Gordy Pavilion is an addition made to the existing structure of St. John’s as a part of the Synod’s new office. The Pavilion honors two beloved leaders who have inspired and encouraged us as people of faith.

     The Rev. Dr. Gerald S. Troutman, deceased, served as a pastor at St. John’s and as bishop of the Lutheran
     Church in America Southeastern Synod.  

     The Rev. H. Julian Gordy, served as an intern at St. John’s and now serves in his second term as bishop of
     the ELCA Southeastern Synod.

In welcoming those who gathered, the Rev. Nancy Christensen, senior pastor, St. John’s, said, “This Dedication Ceremony marks the culmination of years of discussion, visioning, negotiating, and planning, as well as the completion of months of engineering, designing, and building.  And, this was not just new construction, but the renovating and the repurposing of an existing structure, making all the changes necessary for this to be a gathering place from which the mission and ministry of the Southeastern Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America can emanate, while also preserving the historical nuances of this building. Therefore, this Dedication also marks a beginning, a fresh start, and a renewed purpose for both the Synod and for St. John’s Lutheran Church, located in this diverse neighborhood of Atlanta.”

Bishop Gordy said, "I am honored and more than a bit humbled that St. John’s would have included my name with that of Bishop Jerry Troutman in the dedication of this pavilion.  It hasn’t escaped the attention of your synod staff that the space that has been prepared for us is the old servants quarters of Stonehenge. We have always acknowledged that our job as the synod staff is to serve the congregations and people of the Southeastern Synod. We’ll be reminded of that every time we enter our new offices."  He continued, "We are more than grateful for the patience, hospitality, and collegiality of St. John’s staff and members during this time of transition for our staff."
 
Special guest, Ms. Marihope Troutman Flatt, widow of Bishop Troutman, attended, accompanied by her husband Mr. William Flatt, children and spouses, and grandchildren.  She and Bishop Gordy shared the honor of cutting the ribbon.

Surprise guest, the Spirit Sistahs, a St. John's female quartet, energized us all by singing an original selection, "God's Work. Our Hands."

After the ceremony, members of the Synod Council and staff conducted tours of the Troutman-Gordy Pavilion. Participants enjoyed a reception catered by Miles Catering, with a cake from Publix, and punch from Ms. Barbara Arne, St. John's.  Photos courtesy of Mr. Greg Williams, St. Johns.

Many thanks to all who supported, contributed, participated and prayed for St. John's and the Southeastern Synod during this journey!