Lutherhaus of Lincolnton Celebrates 40th Anniversary

Affordable housing for seniors in the Lincolnton community
Lincolnton, North Carolina – On Monday, June 5, 2023, Lutherhaus of Lincolnton celebrated 40 years of serving the Lincolnton-area community by providing affordable, subsidized housing for seniors. The celebration took place in the outdoor common areas of the Lutherhaus property located on South Laurel Street. In attendance were the residents of the 30 apartment units, their guests, members of Emmanuel Lutheran Church, representatives from Partnership Property Management, Mayor Ed Hatley, and City Manager, Ritchie Haynes. Following a brief program, guests enjoyed a barbeque meal, music provided by Guy Rudisill, and fellowship with other guests.
Lutherhaus was conceptualized and funded by the congregation of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in 1980 when they saw the need for affordable housing for seniors in the community. The first residents moved in on April 1, 1983 and the grand opening was celebrated on June 5, 1983 – 40 years ago. Over the years, Lutherhaus has served hundreds of seniors in the Lincolnton area.
Lutherhaus would not have been possible without many people who stood behind the project in the beginning and over the years of its existence, most notably Betty Gamble, Horace Rhyne, Rev. Terry Agner, and Gary McConnell. Today, Lutherhaus’ day-to-day operations are managed by Holly Hennessee, Site Manager, and her colleagues at Partnership Property Management. The Lutherhaus Board of Directors is comprised of 10 members of Emmanuel Lutheran Church and Ben Robinson serves as President currently.
Lutherhaus Board Adds Parking for Apartments

In January 2016 the Lutherhaus Board purchased a lot at the corner of Tait Street and Gaston Street that adjoins the Lutherhaus Apartment Facility. Lutherhaus of Lincolnton, Inc. is a non-profit organization that owns the housing facility. It was organized and built by Emmanuel Lutheran Church in 1983 when members saw the need for housing for the elderly. It includes 30 one bedroom apartments, two of which are handicap accessible, that are subsidized by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Partnership Property Management Company oversees the operation and management of the property for the Board. The Lutherhaus Board is appointed by Emmanuel’s Church Council.
The Board purchased the adjoining 0.65 acre lot due to the need for additional parking, especially for visitors and caregivers. Due to the new property not being part of the existing facility, the Board was responsible for developing the lot for the additional parking without the assistance of Partnership Property Management Company. The Board came up with a plan and layout of the parking area. This was submitted to the City of Lincolnton for the required permit. Two County permits were also obtained; one for the demolition of the dilapidated house and out-building on the property and one for Sediment and Erosion Control. Useable furniture and materials from the old house were donated to Christian Ministry and Habitat for Humanity.
Deal Construction, Inc. (Andy, Tom & Luke) was acquired to demolish the house, clear the lot and construct the gravel parking area. We are very grateful to the Deals for their work and guidance. Twelve parking spaces were constructed along with an entrance off Gaston Street. The Board also acquired contractors for a property survey, concrete entrance, tree trimming, stump grinding, grass seeding and sign printing. We appreciate the 19 Holly Compacta shrubs donated by David Garmon of Metrolina Landscape Company and the reduced prices of parking bumpers by Spake Concrete Products, Inc. and various materials by Lowes Home Improvement Warehouse of Lincolnton..
The parking area is now ready for use and the formerly grown up area is very aesthetically pleasing with the grass, shrubs and scattered trees. Thanks to all of Emmanuel’s members who provided planning and/or on-site assistance and labor: Gary McConnell, Leon Harmon, Jim Beam, Jim Sain, Jim Williams, Pastor Michael Collins, Edward Little, Rudy Rudisill, Andy Deal, Tom Deal, Luke Deal and Ben Robinson.