Fifty-eight souls. That’s how many people attended the very first service at Redeemer Lutheran Church. Not in this impressive building. No. In a Moose Hall. Imagine. December 2nd 1962. The North Las Vegas Lutheran Mission. A humble beginning for what would become the vibrant Redeemer Lutheran Church we see today.
Redeemer Lutheran Church in Las Vegas wasn’t always this grand structure. It began as a small mission church. Pastor Fry led the congregation for five years. Those early years were full of firsts. A parsonage a weekly Lenten service a weekday school. Even their first secretary. The church grew quickly.
Pastor Blau arrived in 1967. He steered the congregation for eight more years of significant growth. Two worship services were added. Pews found their place in the sanctuary. More land was acquired. They even built a Christian nursery a haven for the children of working parents in the community. A new educational wing was constructed. Redeemer became self-supporting no longer relying on the Synod.
The dream of a Lutheran high school took shape under Pastor Jastor. Faith Christian Jr-Sr High School now Faith Lutheran Middle and High School is a testament to their vision. It’s the largest secondary education campus in the LCMS. They even raised $50000 for an elementary school selling organ keys as a fundraiser.
Pastor Buckhorn’s arrival in 1985 marked another era. In 1987 Redeemer offered kindergarten through sixth grade. A groundbreaking ceremony in 1987 led to a new school building. Redeemer Lutheran Elementary School opened in January 1988. Lonnie Gonzalez a vicar revitalized youth ministry. Another Vicar Rod McPherson arrived in 1999. He was ordained at Redeemer in 2001 becoming its shepherd. Pastor McPherson guided the church for nearly two decades. He led the return to traditional worship adding adult bible studies and prayer groups.
Pastor Steve Cluver became the shepherd in September 2019. He was involved in creating the Lutheran Mission Society in Las Vegas. In February 2023 live streaming services started allowing everyone to participate. From humble beginnings in a Moose Hall to this impressive building Redeemer Lutheran Church stands as a beacon of faith and community. Its story is one of growth perseverance and dedication. A story written by the hands of many people throughout history. A truly inspiring testament to the power of faith.