What began with just 22 English-language Lutheran members blossomed into the Redeemer Lutheran Church. This church stands as a testament to faith community and architectural beauty. Redeemer Lutheran Church has a fascinating story that began in Elmhurst Illinois a suburb of Chicago.
The story of Redeemer Lutheran Church starts in 1928. A group split from Immanuel Lutheran Church. This was because Immanuel Lutheran Church only held services in German. The initial meeting occurred at Hawthorne Elementary School.
The first worship service took place on Easter Sunday April 8. It was held in the same school’s auditorium. Attendees came from Immanuel Lutheran Church and Trinity Lutheran Church of Villa Park Illinois. Reverend H. H. Hartmann and Reverend H. Prange provided guidance. By May 25 the core group had grown to 40 people. They approved a preliminary organization and elected officers.
The congregation chose to join the English District of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod LCMS. The women recommended the name Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church which was accepted. The rolls closed with 109 charter members. Reverend G. Schuessler arranged for visiting pastors to lead worship. In October 1928 the English District approved the new church’s constitution. On October 29 the group elected its first officers and committees. Dr. Edward Marquardt chaired the building committee.
In January 1929 the group purchased land. It was located at the corner of Kenilworth Avenue and St. Charles Road. In April they hired Hotchkiss and Edgar architects. This firm also designed Immanuel Lutheran. The groundbreaking ceremony was held on October 20 1929. Members expected the congregation to grow through missionary outreach.
Completed by May 18 1930 the church building was described as a restrained modern Gothic style. It was called one of the most attractive houses of worship in Elmhurst. Three worship services marked the dedication. Various reverends and choirs participated in the services.
Redeemer Lutheran Church was initially equipped with a Möller pipe organ. It was repossessed during the Great Depression. In 1953 a new Reuter organ was installed. Fifty years later congregational leaders enhanced the Reuter organ. Berghaus Organ Co. renovated it. Church members sponsored individual pipes. The pipe organ was rededicated on May 23 2004. The ceremony featured four choirs and instrumentalists.
Responding to growing pains in 1955 the church added an annex. It provided classroom space for Christian education. Reverend Setzer used the same shovel from the 1929 groundbreaking. The annex was dedicated with Reverend Dr. A. R. Kretzmann presiding.
On January 2 1972 Redeemer opened Titus Place. It featured a kitchen classrooms a commons area an office a study a boardroom and a gymnasium. Land was purchased from the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic parish. Ground was broken in January 1971.
In 1977 a stained-glass window was installed above the chancel. It was donated by charter members Dr. and Mrs. Edward Marquardt. Redeemer Lutheran Church has a rich history of dedicated pastors. Reverend Worth Setzer was the first pastor installed in 1928. He served until 1959. Reverend George Bornemann followed serving from 1959 to 1976. Reverend Richard Drews then led from 1977 to 2002. Reverend Robert Fitzpatrick served from 2003 to 2010. Reverend Scott Stiegemeyer served from 2010 to 2015. The current pastor Reverend Anthony Oliphant was installed in 2015.
Today Redeemer Lutheran Church continues its mission. It serves the community with faith education and outreach. Its building stands as a symbol of its enduring legacy. As you stand before Redeemer Lutheran Church consider its history. Think about the people who built this community.