Ready to discover a place where faith and community intertwine? Christ Lutheran Church has been proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ. It stands as a testament to enduring faith in the heart of Salt Lake City.
Founded in 1965, Christ Lutheran Church began with Abraham Losser and Pastor F.E. Schumann. Abraham attended a service at St. John’s and invited Pastor Schumann to his home in Murray. For four years, classes were held at the Losser’s house. Another family, the Kellers, also joined them.
Pastor Schumann helped Abraham become the first Lay Missionary. He convinced the Missouri Synod to give Abraham a monthly salary of $60. The first church building was an old Methodist church in Murray. Abraham arranged to rent it for $5 per Sunday. Services began in August 1931. Pastor Schuman held services at 3:00 pm. Attendance averaged 21 people.
In August 1932, Pastor John Feiertag became the first resident pastor of The Mission Field of Murray. He served a growing congregation until April 1935. Abraham served as a lay worker until June 1936. Pastor Allen Schuldheiss was then appointed to the Murray Mission. Services were held in an LDS seminary and later in the Murray City Fire Hall.
On December 8, 1941, the congregation officially became Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church. Pastor Schuldheiss chose the name. On October 11, 1942, the church moved back to the Methodist church. It was located on 171 E 4800 S. The congregation purchased it for $3,400. Pastor Schuldheiss also helped start First Lutheran Church of Tooele.
In September 1943, Pastor Norbert Roschke was installed. He lived in an apartment next door with his wife. He served until July 1949. Pastor John Henning then began his service in October 1949. He and his family moved into a new parsonage next door in 1950.
In 1953, the congregation bought three acres of land at 240 E and 5600 S for $10,500. In 1955, a small chapel and two school classrooms were built for $60,900. The school opened on September 4, 1955, with 43 students. Paul Brill was the principal and taught the upper grades. His wife, Gerry Brill, taught the lower grades. Pastor Henning left in 1956. Reverend Naatz was called. That year, the first six students graduated from Christ Lutheran School. Two houses near the church were purchased. In 1959, the school expanded with more classrooms. Volunteers helped build them. The new facility was dedicated on October 25, 1959. Pastor Naatz also helped create Calvary Lutheran Church in Sandy.
The present sanctuary of Christ Lutheran Church was built in 1965. Pastor Paul Schmidt was installed that year. He served until 1969. The church was without a pastor until 1971. Pastor Donald Smidt served from 1971 to 1978. In 1977, Pastor Rodger Ernst expanded the ministry. He left for Minnesota in 1979. Pastor Merlyn Wagner then served as the senior pastor until he retired in 2009.
Pastors Bryon Sunderman and Harold Block also served Christ Lutheran Church. In 1992, the church added a narthex, gym, kitchen, offices, classrooms, and a multipurpose room. The project remodeled all existing classrooms.
Pastor Kristian Erickson joined in 1997. He focused on youth work. After Pastor Wagner’s retirement, he became the senior pastor. He served until 2012. Christ Lutheran Church had interim pastors for three years. Pastor Tyler Bramwell served from 2015 to 2017.
In 2017, Christ Lutheran school closed due to financial issues. Mount Vernon Academy now rents the school buildings. Interim Pastor Jerome Troester served for three and a half years. He guided the church through transition and the COVID-19 pandemic. Pastor Justin Clark was installed on July 17, 2021.
Christ Lutheran Church continues to proclaim Christ crucified in the heart of Salt Lake City. It invites all to join in worship and experience God’s unconditional love.