“On Monday, July 29, 2024 shortly after 6 a.m. our Church and Academy facility erupted in flames,” Outreach Ministry wrote. That’s what came to my mind when I saw the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and its academy have a rich history. It’s a story of faith community and growth. Let’s explore its past.
The church has served the Hermosa and Logan Square neighborhoods since 1903. It began as a branch school organized by Christ Lutheran of Logan Square. The location was 2414 N Lawndale Avenue.
In 1908, the Jehovah Congregation was founded. It started with 26 members. They purchased five lots at Ridgeway and Belden Avenues. Reverend Theodore Graebner became the first pastor. The cornerstone for the first church and school was laid soon after that. Buildings were completed months later.
By 1910, services were held in both English and German. This reflected the changing community. In 1915, the new church building was dedicated.
The Good Shepherd Lutheran Church continued to expand. In 1928, the school building was enlarged. Four new classrooms were added. A gymnasium assembly hall was also built. It even included a six-lane bowling alley. Imagine the sounds of children learning and the excitement of community gatherings.
A kindergarten was established in 1931. This made the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church an important center. It offered education and spiritual guidance.
The church celebrated its Silver Anniversary in 1933. Through the years, several pastors led the congregation. Each one brought their unique contributions.
In 1946, an Ernst Skinner House organ was installed. It came from a mansion in Mt Clemens MI. The organ had 2536 pipes and 50 ranks. It enriched the worship experience for the congregation.
By 1950, the membership of Jehovah was 2174 baptized souls. This shows the church’s significant presence. It also shows its influence in the community.
In 1974, El Buen Pastor Congregation was organized. Pastor Alberto Garcia led the congregation. They first met at Christ Logan Square. By 1979, El Buen Pastor began holding Spanish services. These services were held here on June 17th.
The ministries of Jehovah and El Buen Pastor joined in 1998. They became one congregation. In 2008, Jehovah El Buen Pastor celebrated its 100th anniversary. Pastor Gale Schmidt preached. The St Peters Arlington Heights choir performed.
The Good Shepherd Christian Academy was created in 2017. This continued the church’s commitment. The commitment was to education and community service.
Sadly, in July 2024, a fire damaged the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. The fire affected the school facility. But thankfully no one was injured. The community rallied to support the church. A GoFundMe campaign was started to help rebuild.
Today, the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church continues its mission. The mission is to connect people with Christ. Also to help them grow in faith. And to serve with conviction. It stands as a testament to faith. It is a beacon of hope in the Hermosa and Logan Square neighborhoods.