Pastor Arthur R. Doring retiring after 54 years in ministry

STANHOPE — The Lutheran Church of Our Savior will celebrate the retirement of its Pastor of the last 54 years, Arthur R. Doring, on Sunday Dec. 2 at Perona Farms in Andover.

The celebration will begin with the 10:30 a.m worship service followed immediately by a special fellowship hour, concluding with the dinner at Perona Farms.

Pastor Doring was born in Brooklyn, NY, the son of Arthur and Marie Doring. He graduated from Stuyvesant High School in Manhattan in 1950, Concordia College, Bronxville, NY in 1953 and Concordia Seminary, St. Louis in 1958. He was ordained into the Holy Ministry at his home congregation, St. Peter Lutheran Church, Brooklyn NY, on July 13, 1958.

Pastor Doring was married to Lois Ruth Prokopy on Aug. 2, 1958 at Zion Lutheran Church, Manchester, CT. The Lord blessed them with two children, Lisa Marie and David Paul. Lisa is married to Jon Baermann and they have four children: Sarah, Anna, Micah and Kaethe. David married Suelyn Trimmer and they have two sons, Griffin and Jackson.

Upon graduation from the Seminary in 1958, Candidate Doring received a “Call” from the Atlantic District of the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod, to establish a new congregation in the Stanhope-Hopatcong area.

After extensive canvassing, the first service was held on Feb. 22, 1959, and a congregation was established. Services were held in the River Styx School, Hopatcong NJ followed by another temporary location at the American Legion Hall in Stanhope. Easter Sunrise Services and summer services were also held at the Ledgewood Drive-in Theater. The dedication of The Lutheran Church of Our Savior and education facilities was held on June 9, 1968.

Pastor Doring has served on a number of committees and boards throughout the years including Lutheran Social Ministry-NJ, Ministry of Hope, advisor to the NJ district Youth Board and Lutheran Woman’s Missionary League. He has served on the NJ District Evangelism Outreach and Finance Committees, and was Circuit Counselor and District Vice President. Under the impetus and organization of wife Lois Doring, Our Savior congregation began its Christian Nursery School in 1971 with Lois as Director/Teacher.

Our Savior Church would like to welcome everyone to attend this special Dec. 2 Worship service and Fellowship hour. For more information regarding the Luncheon at Perona Farms please contact Karen MacMillan at (973) 948-4138.