Lutheran Church of the Master

Gazing at the Lutheran Church of the Master, imagine stepping back in time to 1940. In the home of Arthur and Mrs. Behrens, seventeen people gathered. They had a vision: a Lutheran church in West Los Angeles. This meeting marked the official birth of the Lutheran Church of the Master. Before the official paperwork, services were already happening. A dance studio on Westwood Boulevard became a sacred space. Reverend Sterling Candow and his wife Emma Lou led these early services. His influence is still visible today, especially in the church’s architecture. The Lutheran Church of the Master has seen six pastors guide its congregation over the years. From the original building dedicated in 1941 to expansions and renovations, the church has grown and adapted. It transitioned from mission status to self-supporting in just a few years. By the 1950s, the Lutheran Church of the Master had added a parish hall and acquired more land. The church even purchased an off-site parking lot to accommodate the growing congregation. The 1970s and 1980s brought a refurbished pipe organ and stunning stained-glass windows. These windows, crafted by Mark Gulsrud, depict biblical stories. The 1990s ushered in a technological era for the Lutheran Church of the Master. They embraced computers and the internet. A website helped connect with a wider community. Through the years, the church has been more than a place of worship. It has hosted community groups, schools, and even provided support for the terminally ill. The Lutheran Church of the Master continues to embrace change. It has welcomed people from all over the world. From Persia to Indonesia, China to Australia, it serves as a testament to its motto, “A Changeless Christ in a Changing World.”