Ascention Lutheran Church

Ascension Lutheran Church's Website:

www.LutheransOnline com/AscensionLutheranNewBrunswick

Ascension Lutheran Church is now celbrating its 101st year of service to the New Brunswick and Central New Jersey community. Founded in 1908 as Elso Magyar Evangelikus Egyhaz (First Hungarian Augsburg Lutheran Church) it stands as one of the three Historic Hungarian Churches that line Somerset Street. Although services are in English today, Hungarian life and language are alive and vibrant within the neighborhood and congregation.

Services are held every Sunday morning at 9:45 A.M. and visitors are warmly welcomed. I was complete new comer when I visited (and I am not Hungarian or Lutheran), but found the people to be welcoming and warm. The pastor greeted me personally, and his Sermon was positive meaninful and to the point.. All in all, Ascension is the friendliest church I have ever visited.

The congregation is small and the worship experience is close and intimate. The service is taken from the Lutheran Hymnal, and is relatively liturgical (which is normal for Lutherans) but not overly formal, nothing that feels unnatural or contrived.



Ascension'sstained glass is heart-meltingly beautiful, and gives the sanctuary an almost heavenly glow. You will see Noah's Ark, the House upon the Rock, The vine and Branches, the Lillies of the field among other motifs. To the front are 4 understated marble greek style columns, and an amazing European carved wood altar peice. It is a must see. At the center of the Altar piece is a soft, beautiful, almost etherial oil painting, depicting the Ascension of Jesus, hence the Church's name.

And, oh, the Organ! A real pipe organ! The organist is very talented, and although the organ is small its tone is beautiful. It is a joyful, light jinggling sounding organ, if you know the type. I am not much of a hymn singer, but the Sunday morning I spent at Ascension in the midst of their music and singing was very special.

Highly reccomemned.

Visit the website: www.LutheransOnline com/AscensionLutheranNewBrunswick