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Our History
Guided by Pastor Lynne on October 9, 1960, a "flock" of 25 visionaries organized and named their mission congregation, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. On November 13, 1961, in the brick building with green doors, Pastor Lynne, standing behind a roughly hewn pulpit, led 96 persons in worship. Pews were planks and nail kegs; the altar was make-shift, yet adorned with a cross and candles. Sunday school began the following Sunday. The articles of incorporation were issued on December 23, 1961, and by-laws were adopted five days later by a newly formed board of directors. "The American Lutheran Church" was formed on January 1, 1962, with Good Shepherd Lutheran Church becoming its first mission congregation. The congregation was officially organized on January 8, 1962, with 43 "Charter Families" totaling 168 baptized members. The first annual meeting was held January 15, 1962. Five months later the congregation no longer required a mission subsidy. Within the year, two worship services were held each Sunday. In less than three years, a larger church structure was required. A long-range planning committee was formally approved at Good Shepherd's 1964 annual meeting. The location, design, financing, and construction of our present sanctuary led to its dedication on October 1, 1967. The "chapel" became an educational unit and also served as the office of the President of the Western North Dakota District of the A.L.C. The new sanctuary was designed around the theme of the Good Shepherd from the 23rd Psalm and the 10th chapter of the Gospel of St. John. The focal point of the sanctuary is the "table style" altar area emphasizing the place from which the Lord's Supper is shared. The three sided seating arrangement symbolizes the sheep gathering around Christ, their Shepherd, to be fed by His Word and Sacraments. We are seated and worship together as one flock. Through the years, Good Shepherd has been blessed with fine pastoral leadership: Robert Lynne (1960-1988) 5 Interns (beginning 1969) David Kramer (1973-1976) Dan Wissmann (1977-1990) Marv Kormann (1986-1995) Leslie Leppien Carver (1988-1990) Peter Ruggles (1990-1996) Jo Olson (1993-1997) Erik Saxvik (1996-1999) Jeff Tengesdal (1997-present) G.G. Neuberger (1999-2006) Laurie Natwick (2000-2008) Scott Frederickson (2003-2007) Dan Dornfeld (2006-2008) Four members of the congregation are now pastors: Dick Hendrickson, 1977; Clarence Gall, 1978; Jim Demke, 1981; and Dale Wolf, 1989. Good Shepherd has supported two mission churches: Charity Lutheran of Bismarck and Peace Lutheran of Lincoln. From 1993 to 1996 we were part of a 2-point parish with Grace Lutheran, Driscoll. As Good Shepherd's ministry expanded, our facilities became inadequate. On October 27, 1985, an addition to the building was dedicated for education, fellowship and office space. In 1993, a long-range planning committee proposed expansion to better support the congregation's ministry goals. After considerable planning, the congregation approved sale and moving of the original "chapel" building and parsonage to make room for an addition to the church and more parking spaces. This newest addition was dedicated April 23, 1995. We continue to be blessed by growth, the diverse and unique gifts of the "flock", the fine leadership of staff and members, and an identity in the community of being a welcoming, active and mission-oriented congregation. As we celebrate the past 40 years and as we anticipate the next 40 years and beyond, we follow the same pillar of fire that guided the Israelites through the darkness of the wilderness for 40 years. It is the fire of God's vision for Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. It is our reason for being. It is the Good Shepherd leading his flock to an unending celebration of life in Christ and an enduring commitment to mission. |
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