Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

Whispers of faith echoed through the halls of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church from its humble beginnings. Good Shepherd Lutheran Church wasn’t always the grand structure you see today. Our journey begins in the 1960s in Howard. The population was booming. Nearby Lutheran congregations, Bethel, Calvary, Grace, and Trinity, saw a need for a new mission in the Howard/Suamico area. In August 1971, Reverend Richard Lind answered the call. Forty-five families gathered, forming the heart of the new parish. The first service, led by Reverend Lind, took place on September 12, 1971, at Howard Elementary School. The official organizational meeting followed on December 4th of the same year. Soon, a 6 1/2-acre plot of land was secured. This land would become the foundation for a house of worship, a place of fellowship. Construction began in August 1972. Just a few months later, on December 17, 1972, the first service and Sunday school class were held in the new building. The official dedication came on May 20, 1973, with 75 charter families. Good Shepherd Lutheran Church was officially born. The church, designed with movable chairs instead of pews, quickly became a hub of activity. Youth groups, committee meetings, spiritual studies, choir practices, and simple suppers filled the evenings. Reverend Lind guided the church for six and a half years, laying a solid foundation. Then, on January 22, 1978, he passed the baton to Reverend Harvey J. Jaeger. As the community continued to grow, so did Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. In 1985, the need for more space led to the formation of a building committee. Construction began on a new Fellowship Hall. Through the dedication and hard work of the congregation, the addition was completed and dedicated on September 13, 1987. The new space allowed the church to expand its offerings. A nursery school, Sunday school, three weekly worship services, Bible studies, and confirmation classes filled the schedule. Good Shepherd Lutheran Church continued to evolve, adapting to the changing needs of the community.