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Our History
Atonement began when the first service was held at the Anthony Funeral Chapel on June 3, 1956. There were 94 charter members present, two of whom are still active. Six and one-half acres were purchased on Westfall Road in the same year for future development. The first Sunday School classes were held in the Brighton Town Hall for 58 children in September, 1956. Many devoted teachers helped in the faith formation of these children.
On February 3, 1957, the congregation was officially organized with the adoption of a constitution and the installation of a church council. Ground was broken on October 26, 1958 for the first building, which served as Sanctuary, school, meeting place, and church offices. On September 13, 1959, the congregation moved into its permanent building at 1900 Westfall Road following three years of worship at Anthony’s.
On Christmas Eve 1969, the first service was held in the new Sanctuary. Music has always been a large part of the congregation’s ministry, provided by talented choir members and music directors. In 1979, a new wing was added and named Reissig Hall after the founding pastor. The original building became more permanent classroom space and was renamed Founders Hall in honor of those who began the congregation.
Pastor Fred Reissig who began the ministry of Atonement in 1955, retired in 1985, and remained a faithful choir member until his untimely death in 1990.
Pastor Connie Grogan accepted the call as Atonement’s next pastor late in 1985 and during her ministry led the congregation through a capital fund campaign that refurbished Founders Hall, making it more useful and appropriate for Sunday School space. At the same time, in 1989, a new pipe organ built by the Parsons Organ Company was designed and installed.
In 1989, Pastor Grogan moved on in ministry and in July of 1990 Pastor John Macholz began his ministry at Atonement. During his tenure a capital campaign was conducted for some very basic building and ground needs. A second service was added to the Sunday morning schedule, offering contemporary music.
In 2002, following a major restructuring of the organization and governing process, Atonement hired its first Youth and Family Minister, Theresa Borchetta. Jenny Christen, accepted the position following Theresa’s tenure and has been with the parish since the fall of 2005.
In June of 2006 Dr. John Hanson retired as Organist/Choir Director after serving faithfully and effectively for 27 years. He actually began as the parish’s organist when the parish first formed and met at Anthony’s Funeral Chapel in its early years. The Muisc Ministry Search team is currently embarking on a search for new music leadership for both the contemporary and traditional services.
On February 4, 2007 we celebrated our Fiftieth Anniversary with Bishop Marie Jerge, Bishop of the Upstae New York Synod of the ELCA, preaching. More celebrations throughout the year included a reunion and BBQ in June.
Atonement continues to define its ministry under the direction of a new vision that supports our mission and core beliefs. It is a vital part of the Brighton community and continues to seek ways to expand its ministry and assist the community in growing in faith and understanding of God’s grace and action in our lives. | 
