Our Centennial

On October 25 and 26, 2025, Mount Olive celebrated 100 years as a congregation, and 95 years in the sanctuary on Allen. This two day event included Bach's Brandenburg Concerto and an observed Reformation day service.

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Saturday, October 25 was our Reformation Day service. We had a Service of Prayer and Preaching,

including readings, hymns, and a reception dinner.

Sunday, October 26 was our Centennial service. We had a celebratory prelude of Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No.5,

followed by Divine Service and a coffee cart.

Our History

Mount Olive and her Pastors since 1925

February 15, 1925

The Congregation of Mount Olive holds its first Divine Service at Hartzell Methodist Church under Rev. William Gustave Ruehle of Highland Park Lutheran Church. That October, services are moved to the Shakespeare club on South Los Robles at 9:45am.

1927

The Congregation is received into membership in the English District of the Lutheran Church -- Missouri Synod. (LCMS)

October 5, 1930

The Cornerstone is laid for the Pasadena location, on July 13, with Architect Frederick Kennedy Jr. and builder Fred Volz in charge of construction. The Dedication takes place on October 5.

Rev. William G. Ruehle

1925 - 1926

Rev. John A. Schlichting

1926 - 1951

Rev. Martin H. Zagel

1952-1964

Rev. Schlichting would go on to be the longest serving Pastor of Mount Olive, at 25 years! He oversaw the building of the sanctuary and our membership with the LCMS. He also helped establish the Women's Auxillary in October of 1925 and Walther League in October of 1927.

1934

Pioneer and ranch owner James F. Crank, 92, donates the Mount Olive Bell in memory of his late wife, Mary Agnes Crank. Pictured above is Rev. Schlichtig with Pansy Whitaker, Agnes’ niece.