History

The late Professor Franklin D. Scott, a noted historian of immigration, has stated that between 1830 and 1930, some 60 million people transplanted themselves -- mostly from Europe to the "New World." Another historian, Julianna Pusaks, has stated that of that total, some 6,502,109 persons emigrated from eastern and central Europe between the years 1899 and 1924. Of that number, 8.5% of them were Slovaks. These were the courageous men and women who founded our congregation.

The first evangelical Lutheran settlers in Binghamton, New York, arrived here on May 1, 1885. They later organized Lodge #34 of the Evangelical Lutheran Slovak Union, "Ludevit Novometsky." Among these founders were people with names still associated with our Church, such as Kadlecik, Dudash, Varsik, and Cermak or their families.

The first worship services were held on December 5, 1897, conducted by the Rev. Ludevit Novometsky of New York City. Rev. Novometsky came once a year to celebrate the sacraments with the Slovak Lutherans of Binghamton. By this time, other families had come, again, with ancestors of people whose names are associated with the Church, such as Pavlovic, Kirch, Vanek, and Noscak.

Over the years, more and more Slovaks came and associated themselves with their compatriots and co-religionists. On June 26, 1904, by-laws were accepted for the new Cemetery which had been purchased for use of the Church members. By this time, the Slovak Lutherans were regularly worshipping together at the English Lutheran Church, which we today know as Redeemer Lutheran, on Main Street. On June 22, 1905, the congregation was formally organized at a service conducted by Rev. Charles Hauser. As the nearest Church festival to that date was Ascension day, that was the name chosen for the new congregation. It was not until June 24, 1906, however, that the congregation was formally incorporated according to the laws of New York State.

The cornerstone for the Church building was laid on July 25, 1909. The Church itself was completed and dedicated on February 6, 1910, the Rev. John Pelikan, President of the Slovak Synod, officiating, assisted by the Rev. John Hundry. Again, many families still active in our Church appear on the list of the original contributors. In addition to those already mentioned above, we note the following families: Zabadal, Hiza, Micha, Marecek, Kucharek, and Zlock.

Some other notable dates in the life of our Church are these:

Pastors of Ascension regularly called: