How a single lamp gathered a community.

In the autumn of 1978, twelve neighbors squeezed into Marian Holcomb's living room on Marsden Street. The power had gone out the night before, so someone brought a brass oil lamp from the garage and set it on the coffee table. They sang two hymns, read from the gospel of John, and prayed for their block.

That gathering didn't end. It moved — to a school cafeteria, to a rented storefront, and finally, in 1986, to the small stone building on Grace Avenue that has been our home ever since. The lamp moved with us. It sits on our altar today.

What we believe

We believe Jesus is the light of the world, and that even a small flame, tended with care, can warm a whole community. Our worship is quiet and unhurried; our welcome is open to everyone — neighbors, newcomers, skeptics, and the long-faithful alike.

Who comes

About three hundred people call Lamp Church home, from infants to our oldest member, Walter (94). We share meals on the second Sunday of every month, run a free Tuesday-night soup kitchen with our neighbors at St. Andrew's, and host one big festival each season.

Visit us

Sunday services are at 10am and 6pm. There's coffee in the foyer, children's church during the morning service, and absolutely no dress code. Come a little early and we'll show you around — the lamp included.