Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd

April 5, 1957

13 families from Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Mankato, Minnesota met to form a new Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod mission congregation. The action was endorsed by the District, Our Savior's Lutheran Church congregation and their pastor.

April 26, 1957

A constitution for a new Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod congregation in Mankato, Minnesota was accepted.

May 5, 1957

The name "The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd" was approved and officers elected. They were President Myron Ulen, Vice President Lorin Flitter, Secretary Ben Buck, Treasurer William Morris, Elders Karl Malwitz, Ernie Kretschmar & Harold Stavenua, Trustees Erwin Fuller & Walter Kuhlman and Head Usher Robert Quint. At this time the constitution was signed by all of the officers except Mr. Stavenau & Mr. Kuhlman. Other members who also signed the constitution were Ed Leising, Delano Quiring, Scott Nelson, Victory Vandrey , Roger Schulte & Kenneth Sayler.

Summer/57

Pastor E.J.A Marxhausen of New Ulm was called as vacancy pastor for the newly formed The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd.

September 8, 1957

The 1st service of The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd was held at the 7th Day Adventist Church at 319 State Street in Mankato. Rent was $100.00 per month.

Sept 29, 1957

The 1st communion service of The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd was held.

October 20, 1957

Beverly Jane Buck, daughter of Ben & Dorothy Buck, was the fist baptism at the newly formed Good Shepherd.

Nov. 24, 1957

Pastor E.P. Kauffeld was called to serve The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd.

Dec. 22, 1957

Pastor E.P. Kauffeld was installed as the first pastor of The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd.

Dec. 27, 1957

John Vinje & Anita Kretschmar was the first couple of the congregation to be married. The ceremony was held at Our Savior's Lutheran Church.

Dec. 29, 1957

Pastor E.P. Kauffeld conducted his 1st service at Good Shepherd.

Jan. 27, 1958

The district approved the purchase of the building site at 937 Charles Avenue in West Mankato and loaned the congregation $10,000.00.

Feb. 1958

The property at 937 Charles Avenue was purchased.

Mar. 30, 1958

The first Rite of Confirmation was held. Members of the class were Aaron Buddensiek, Robert Mees, Roger Sayler, Donald Savenau, Herbert Rader Jr. & Harvey Polchow Jr.

May 1, 1958

Construction of the parsonage on the church property was begun.

Juen 21, 1958

The first death of the congregation was recorded. Mrs. Grant Nelson, age 31, died in a car accident.

Aug. 28, 1958

Groundbreaking ceremonies were held for the construction of the church building at 937 Charles Avenue. The building was constructed by General Contractor Robert W. Carlstrom, Mechanical Contractor E.A. Hodapp, Electrical Contractor K&W Electric, Co.

Dec. 14, 1958

The parsonage was dedicated & the cornerstone for the church building was laid.

Aug. 16, 1959

The first service was held in the new church building.

Aug. 16, 1959

Joel Allen Christnagel was the first baptism in the new church building.

Sept. 13, 1959

The church building was dedicated with 3 services: 10:30am Dedication Service, 3pm Dedicatory Service of Praise & 7pm Dedicatory Service of Thanksgiving & Prayer.

Nov. 15, 1959

Dale Reich & Wanda Ristau were united in the first marriage of at the church.

Apr. 2, 1967

Pastor Ronald Bongard was installed as the 2nd pastor of The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd.

Oct. 12, 1975

Pastor Victor Roth was installed as the 3rd pastor of The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd.

Oct. 3, 1982

A 25th anniversary celebration was held with a service conducted by Pastor Ben Buck and Pastor Victor Roth as liturgist.

Aug. 8, 1987

Pastor Michael W. Dooling was installed as the 4th pastor of The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd.

Oct. 9, 1990

The mortgage was burned.

Dec. 4, 1994

Pastor Greggory Coop was installed as the 5th pastor of The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd.

Feb. 27, 1997

10.7 acres in North Mankato, Minnesota was purchased as the site of a new church home.

1998

The church building at 937 Charles Avenue was sold to Victory Life Church. Sunday services were held at Garfield Elem. School in North Mankato and weekday services were held at Campus Chapel at Mankato State University.

1999

Groundbreaking services were conducted and construction begun for Phase I fellowship hall & education wing) for the new church building at 2101 Lor Ray Drive in North Mankato. The General Contractor was WEB Construction.

2000

Dedication of Phase I was held. Services were held in the fellowship hall.

Sept. 2001

Little Lambs Preschool was begun. Teacher Tracy Mielke had 8 students.

July, 2003

Pastor Vance Becker was installed as the 6th pastor of The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd.

Sept. 2005

A Christian Day School was formed. Good Shepherd Lutheran School opened with 4 students in kindergarten with teacher Alice Brase.

April, 2006

Groundbreaking ceremonies were held for construction of the sanctuary (Phase II). The General Contractor was Holtmeier Construction. Inc.

Sept. 2006

Good Shepherd Lutheran School grew to add classes in grades 1st through 6th with teachers Carolyn Garman & Linda Becker.

Oct. 1, 2006

Dedication of the sanctuary (Phase II) of The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd was held. The service were conducted by Pastor Greggory Coop with Pastor Victor as liturgist.

2007

Yearlong activities celebrating the Jubilee of The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd. A celebration service is held on September 9.