Unexpectedly, a sculpture of the Crown of Thorns sparked a journey of discovery at Resurrection Lutheran Church. This Redondo Beach church began its story in 1951. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America saw a need. South Bay’s population was booming. Aerospace and related industries drew people in. The church started with 99 members. Pastor Lyle Gangsei was their shepherd.
Groundbreaking for the chapel happened in May 1952. The first service took place in November 1952. That chapel is now Rygh Hall. It honors Pastor Marvin Rygh. He served the Resurrection Lutheran Church for 28 years.
By the early 1960s, the congregation had grown. A larger church building was needed. Groundbreaking occurred in March 1963. The new sanctuary was dedicated in March 1964. In 1965, membership peaked at over 1,800. While its official name is Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, most know it as Resurrection Lutheran Church.
Resurrection Lutheran Church has a school. Riviera Hall Lutheran School started in 1952. By 1956, it served grades K-8. A preschool was added in 1968. It is now called Riviera Hall Lutheran Preschool. Former President Bill Clinton even attended his nephew’s graduation here in 2008.
This church has always embraced music. In 1993, the Philippine Orphan’s Choir performed here. The concert benefited Filipino orphans. In 2007, the Watoto Children’s Choir sang at Resurrection Lutheran Church. A parishioner gifted drumsticks to one of the children. Years later, he returned as a drummer. The church’s support guided him. He joined a church band and earned a college degree.
In 2010, a church member made an interesting find. They discovered a Crown of Thorns sculpture. This led to a public art show. The church displayed its art collection. It included works by former members.
Resurrection Lutheran Church supports its community. In 1990, they joined a walk-a-thon. It helped people experiencing homelessness. In 2013, they held a benefit for a local family. The event featured a silent auction and food.
Resurrection Lutheran Church continues to serve. It offers traditional and contemporary worship. Services are live-streamed. Pastor Ken Johnson leads the congregation. From its start with 99 members to its current ministries, Resurrection Lutheran Church remains a beacon of faith.