“Boldness began All Saints.” What if I told you that the story of a nearby church, All Saints Lutheran Church, actually starts with members venturing out? In 1956, members of Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Hopkins decided to establish a new community. These active members left their familiar church to plant a new congregation. This new church became All Saints Lutheran Church in 1957.
Today we’re talking about Minnetonka Lutheran Church. But it’s interesting to see how other churches started in the area. This legacy included empowered lay ministry. It had richly musical and diverse worship. It also included dedicated service to people in need. Strong personal relationships were important too.
In 1957, 250 people left Gethsemane Lutheran Church. They wanted to start All Saints Lutheran Church. Pastor Bob Warren was the first pastor. The first service took place on April 14, 1957. It was held in the old Glen Lake School. The church had 213 baptized children and 114 confirmed adults.
By 1958, a site was selected for the “Church in the Woods.” It was located at Excelsior Boulevard and Woodland Road. In 1959, the first sanctuary was built. Members of All Saints helped with the labor. The sanctuary was occupied on April 19.
The present sanctuary was built in 1965. All Saints Preschool began in 1966. By 1967, the church had grown. There were 613 baptized children and 808 confirmed adults.
Pastor Mike Hendrickson became Associate Pastor in 1970. In 1973, Pastor Dennis Albrecht was called as Senior Pastor. Pastor Stephen Carlson became Associate Pastor in 1975. A new church school addition was dedicated in 1979.
Pastor Gary Anderson became Senior Pastor in 1982. In 1983, Pastor Sharon Betcher was called as the first female Associate Pastor. All Saints Child Care Center started in 1985.
By 1987, the church continued to grow. There were 623 baptized children and 1,556 confirmed adults. In 1988, the congregation authorized building more space. This included an education area and Fellowship Hall. The sanctuary was remodeled. Pastor Bill Lehman was called as Associate Pastor.
The church staff was restructured in 1989. This was to better meet the congregation’s needs. There were three clergy members. One specialized in children and family. There was also a full-time Administrator. Plus, a full-time Youth Director and Music Director. Pastor Raita Neely was called as Associate Pastor.
Pastor David Lindblom became Senior Pastor in 1994. In 1995, Pastor Timothy Johnson was called as Associate Pastor. A pipe organ was installed and dedicated in 1997. The first mission trip to northern Mexico also took place that year. Church membership included 696 baptized children and 1,742 confirmed adults.
Pastors Neely and Johnson became Co-Pastors in 1998. In 2001, the church began a mission to Casa Hogar Elim orphanage in Mexico. Pastor Sarah Bunge was called as Associate Pastor in 2006. In 2010, Pastor Antonio Machado was called as Pastor. Pastor Heather Hammond became Senior Pastor in 2011. In 2016, Pastor Jon Pederson was called as Lead Pastor. This all started with the bold move from Gethsemane Lutheran Church members. It shows the power of community and service.