About Our Pastor

Stephen William Updegrave was born on July 15, 1948 in Philadelphia, PA. His parents are the late Dr. William J. Updegrave and Sarah Jane Updegrave.

After high school Pastor Updegrave spent almost seven years in the U. S. Air Force as a Fire Protection Specialist and spent his last four years as a helicopter crew member. He served in England, Viet Nam and Mississippi. In 1971 he married the former Karen M. Howe, a graduate of Oxon Hill (MD) High School and Philadelphia College of Bible.

Upon discharge from the U.S.A.F. Pastor Updegrave attended Mississippi State University where he earned three years of academic credit. He completed his undergraduate work at Fort Lauderdale College.

In the fall of 1984 Pastor and Mrs. Updegrave made the final decision to commit themselves to attending Seminary and toward striving for the Office of Public Ministry. In the fall of 1985 Pastor Updegrave was enrolled at Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne, IN. From July 1987 to July 1988 Pastor Updegrave served as Vicar of Timothy Lutheran Church, Council Bluffs, IA. Pastor Updegrave received a Call to Concordia Lutheran Church, Hagerstown, MD. On May 19, 1989 Pastor Updegrave formally accepted the Call.

Pastor Updegrave was ordained June 11, 1989 at his home congregation, Grace Lutheran Church, Ft. Lauderdale, with two former Southeastern District pastors officiating: The Reverend Al Bielenberg and The Reverend Dr. George Loose. The Reverend Dr. Tom Zehnder, brought the sermon built on the theme of Barnabas the Encourager.

In August of 1997 Pastor Updegrave was installed as the Pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Lexington Park, MD. In May of 2003, Pastor Updegrave earned the Doctor of Ministry degree from the Lutheran Theological Seminary of Philadelphia.

Pastor and Karen have been married for over 30 years. They have three children: Matthew -serving in the U.S.A.F., married to Dawn; Rebecca (Becca) - a teacher in Leonardtown, MD, married to Jason Cline; Cody - a student at Leonardtown High School. Pastor Updegrave and Karen are also the grandparents of Kaylee Updegrave who was born on January 4th, 1998.