Surely you’ve noticed Lord of Life Lutheran Church’s prominent location. It sits centrally in The Woodlands right across from McCullough Jr. High. Lord of Life began long before many things existed here.
Let’s step back to 1968. There was no Lutheran Church in this area. It was north of Loop 610 going toward Dallas. The Mission Board purchased land for a new mission.
The first Lord of Life service occurred September 6 1969. It took place in Tamina Hall Hanna Rd. The church also used other rented spaces including Timber Ridge Presbyterian. Gifton Underwood and Marilyn Suderman had the first Lord of Life wedding August 21 1969.
May 3 1970 marked a milestone. The charter was signed. Pastor Kurt Johnson was called in 1969. His mission focused primarily around Oak Ridge North. In June 1970 the LCA recognized Lord of Life. It became the 100th congregation in the Eastern District of the Tx-LA Synod. This was the 1st generation in The Woodlands. Lord of Life started before The Woodlands was established in 1974.
In 1971 the decision was made. The church would build on the property purchased by the Mission Board. This location was on Robinson Rd where a bowling alley now sits. Groundbreaking occurred in 1971. The dedication followed in June 1972.
Pastor Johnson resigned in 1972. Pastor John Eckhardt took the interim position. By 1973 Pastor George Falk became the new pastor. The congregation grew. Sunday School and VBS started in a portable building called The Ark.
The Woodlands opened in 1974. It was a new town with 25000 acres of logging property. Lord of Life was at its front door. Octoberfest started in the backyard of Fred and Ursula Wagner.
A big decision came in 1977. Should the church move to another location along I45 or into The Woodlands? An overpass was planned to take church property. The decision was to move next to Lamar Elementary. It later changed to undeveloped new Panther Creek. No homes existed there yet.
January 14 1979 was groundbreaking at 3801 S. Panther Creek. This is the current location of Lord of Life. Bobby Blair chaired the building committee. The dedication occurred September 9 1979.
Lord of Life offers services at 8:30 am and 11 am every Sunday. The 8:30 service features traditional liturgy and music. The 11 am service has a contemporary style. You can worship in person online or on the Facebook page. Sunday School Bible studies and book discussions happen every Sunday at 9:45 am.
Lord of Life members connect celebrate and serve. The church maintains independence through the talents of its staff members and the Congregation Council. The lighted cross tower was completed in 2003. In 2008 the columbarium and Memorial Peace Garden were completed at the tower’s base.
Lord of Life’s history continues to evolve. Its mission remains steadfast. It offers a welcoming space for faith community and service.