Ever wonder how a simple act of land donation could foster a spiritual home? Here at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, the story begins with a vision to connect communities through faith.
Back in the early 1930s Lutheran services occurred in west Chatham County. These services occurred once a month. The location was a building south of Augusta Avenue. Then, the developer of Garden City offered a lot. It was for the first congregation to organize. This became Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.
Let’s jump to November 4, 1936. The Georgia-Alabama Synod purchased this corner lot for $2,500. The location was at Smith Avenue and Main Street. The hope was that this congregation would link Savannah’s Lutheran churches and those in Effingham County.
Imagine a simple tabernacle made of log wood strips. This is where the congregation first gathered. They met until the brick church was completed.
May 23, 1937 marked a significant day. Official ground breaking ceremonies took place. Construction of the worship facilities began. Members from Savannah and Effingham churches donated timber and labor.
October 3, 1937 at 3:30 PM the congregation officially organized. They chose the name “The Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd.” Just one week later on October 10th, the cornerstone was laid. The cornerstone reads “Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd Erected 1937.”
A church bell was given by Fred Wessels. It was dedicated on December 5, 1937. A newspaper clipping noted that lights and steam heat were installed, even though the interior was not complete. The grounds were being prepared for plants and shrubs.
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church officially incorporated on March 4, 1940. The state charter was granted on June 6, 1940.
The first full-time pastor, Rev. John Koch Jr., served from 1939 to 1942. He then became a U.S. Army Chaplain. Rev. J. A. Seaboch followed in December 1943. He served until September 1, 1950.
In July 1949, the Georgia-Alabama Lutheran Magazine highlighted a new building. This building was for Sunday School and recreation. It also included a pastor’s study. The Good Shepherd Brotherhood, the men’s group, undertook this construction. A new Hammond organ was installed in 1948. Also a new pulpit and lectern were built.
Pastor William R. Hartman became the new pastor in 1951. That year saw 35 new adult members and 34 children join. A new Mr. and Mrs. Club formed. The old wood burner failed so a new heating system was necessary. Members made contributions. They purchased and installed a new oil burning boiler at a reduced price.
Good Shepherd became self-supporting in 1954. It no longer received money from the synod.
Rev. Donald Hanberry became the pastor on June 2, 1958. In 1960, a ground breaking service was held for the new educational wing.
In the 1970s, Good Shepherd underwent change. In January 1976, Eveline Reiser became the first woman on the church council.
By 1983, a new sign was installed and the bell tower rebuilt. The original tower was torn down for the Parish Hall in 1960.
One of Good Shepherd’s favorite projects is sending supplies to Lutheran World Relief. Every year, they collect items for school kits, health kits, sewing kits, layettes, and soap.
After 35 years of service, Pastor Dave Rasmussen retired. In 2015, Reverend Susan Thisell became the pastor.
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church has a mission. That mission is to love God, welcome and serve all people, and grow in faith. The church continues to REACH people with the good news of Jesus, TEACH them to follow Jesus, and RELEASE them to change the community, city, and world.