Church History

Our Church History

In 1923 the Mission Board of the Minnesota District saw the possibilities of a mission field in the city of Robbinsdale. Construction began for the first mission church at Forty-first and Regent Avenue North and a dedication ceremony took place on Sunday, April 20^th, 1924. During the fall of 1924, Rev. H.L. Paul was called to serve the mission congregation and a year later a meeting was held to organize a congregation.

The church was organized as The Lutheran Church of Redeemer on November 9, 1924 with five members present during the signing of the constitution. The church grew steadily over the years, but the depression that hit in the 1930’s also hit the church and it fell on hard times financially and almost disbanded. Although times grew difficult, the congregation was able to persevere and a parsonage was built in 1938 and dedicated at 4043 Regent Avenue.

The First Church

Over the next twenty-five years, the church grew rapidly and expansion became necessary. Under the guidance of Rev. M.H. Kretzschmar, a building program for a new church was started in 1950. The following year three lots were purchased at 42nd and Scott Avenue North in Robbinsdale and the new location of the church was dedicated on March 30, 1952. The Rev. L. Thaemert was installed as pastor on May 6, 1951 and his first official act was to conduct a ground-breaking service immediately after his installation service.

Progress on the new church was slowed due to difficulties in obtaining materials and construction crews. Finally, on October 4, 1951 the cornerstone was laid. The congregation meanwhile rented rooms at Robbinsdale Senior High School and used the basement of the parsonage, a block away, for additional classrooms.

The Second Church

The dedication of Redeemer's new house of worship finally came on March 30th, 1952. The entire congregation walked to the new church in procession with the Elders bearing the sacred books and vessels. The doors were opened with the words, "We herewith open the gates of His house for the preaching of the saving Word of God in accordance with the Confessions of our Church, for the administration and use of the Holy Sacraments according to the institution of our Lord Jesus Christ, and for the offering to God's glorious Majesty the sacrifice of prayer and thanksgiving, (in) the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost."

During the next eight years property was purchased for parking and a temporary educational building. As the congregation continued to grow, a new church was again needed to accommodate everyone. A ground-breaking ceremony for the current structure took place on March 14, 1965 and construction started April 1, 1965.

The church continued to grow and two pastors were needed for the large congregation. In 1975, Rev. Robert C. Raedeke assumed the role of Associate Pastor to help Rev. Thaemert with the growing congregation. Over the years, a growing Church saw the need for a pre-school and in 1979 Redeemer Pre-school opened. Ten pastors have served Redeemer Church between 1924 to 2000. Pastor Yeddo Gottel was installed January 2002 and is presently the presiding pastor of the congregation.

The Luther Rose (Luther Seal) is a recognized symbol for Lutheranism. The black cross in a heart, retaining its natural color, is to remind us of our faith in Christ. Although, the black cross mortifies and causes pain, it leaves the heart in its natural color. The heart is in the middle of a white rose to show faith gives us joy, comfort and peace. The rose is in a sky-blue field, symbolizing the joy in the spirit and faith as a beginning to the heavenly future joy, which has begun, but grasped with hope that has not been revealed. Around this field is a golden ring symbolizing blessedness in Heaven lasts forever and has no end.

Summation from Martin Luther