Eastern Synod and Luther celebrate major gift 

The Eastern Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada and Martin Luther University College (Luther) are pleased to announce the gift of a Synod-owned, century old home in Waterloo, Ont., to Luther. 

“We are deeply grateful to the Synod for this generous gift,” said Rev. Dr. Kristine Lund, the school’s interim principal-dean. “The home, which houses the Delton Glebe Counselling Centre, is an instrumental part of our work to provide mental health services to students and the broader Waterloo Region community.” 

The centre, named after the late Rev. Dr. Delton Glebe, an esteemed former principal-dean, delivered more than 9,700 client sessions in 2020. 

Rev. Michael Pryse, bishop of the Eastern Synod, said that he and the Synod Council are delighted to help strengthen Luther’s community service through this gift. 

“The Glebe Centre, in addition to providing important training for students in Luther’s Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy programmes, has also become a vital service ministry to the community,” said Bishop Pryse who, in his role as bishop, serves as a non-voting (ex-officio) member of Luther’s Board of Governors. “By making this gift, the synod is helping to ensure the longer-term growth and stability of this wonderful educational and service ministry.” 

While Luther is governed by its own board, the school is an arm of the Eastern Synod.  Launched in 1911, Luther is the founding institution of Wilfrid Laurier University. Through its academic programs, Luther helps form rostered and lay ministers for service in the church and prepares citizens to serve their communities as psychotherapists, spiritual care workers and in numerous other vocations. 

Contact: 

Rev. Adam Snook, Assistant to the Bishop, Eastern Synod, asnook@elcic.ca  

Mirko Petricevic, Director of Communications and Public Affairs, Martin Luther University College, mpetricevic@luther.wlu.ca