Our Savior’s Lutheran Church is celebrating 75 years of ministry this year. The theme for this year of celebration is “A Leap of Faith” as it both describes how Our Savior’s was formed, and our current faithful response to ministry today.
Seventy-five years ago, discussions between Trinity Lutheran of the Norwegian ELC Synod and Zion Lutheran of the ALC German Synod came to fruition as the two small congregations began the process of becoming one new congregation. The two small congregations in Spring Valley had shared the same doctrine while remaining rooted in their native languages, and recognized that future growth would benefit from a church merger along with eventually one new church building.
The pastors and councils of both churches planned the merger and co-led the newly formed church as they began to meet together with the first worship service held on January 7, 1951, in the school gymnasium. A building committee was established as the newly formed church as they awaited a new pastor to be called. Rev. W.J. Pilgrim arrived in December and was installed as Our Savior’s first called pastor on March 23, 1952.
Under Pastor Pilgram’s dedicated leadership, ground was broken for the current church building on May 11, 1952, the cornerstone was laid on September 7, and the first activity was held in the new church building May 21, 1953. The first worship service followed on June 14, 1953. A pipe organ was installed in 1957 and an addition completed on the south end in 1977.
The congregation has always had an emphasis on outreach to the community and beyond with strong ties to Good Earth Village Bible Camp (GEV) since it began, the Spring Valley Area Ministerial Association (SVAMA) and the Spring Valley Food Shelf, as well as many mission projects in other countries since the 1950s.
Our Savior’s is joyfully celebrating 75 years of ministry throughout the year, including our September 13 day of celebration – sorship at 9 a.m. with music by Country at Heart followed by a day of fun for all ages. Lunch begins at 11 a.m. and the games and music by RavensFire continue through 1 pm. Sunday, October 4, at Our Savior’s 9 a.m. service there will be a special music Sunday as the celebration continues.
The congregation is having fun celebrating this milestone anniversary with many history milestones being highlighted throughout the last year as well as “OSL Know and Tell” trivia each week leading up to the September 13 celebration.
Our Savior’s Lutheran continues to actively live into their “Leap of Faith” identity. While looking back on the past that formed the congregation, Our Savior’s is also celebrating the future with their new lead pastor, Rev. Tami Groth, installed this past July 26. The congregation relies on the same faith that upheld their founders 75 years ago. Worship services are Saturday evenings at 5:30 p.m. and Sunday mornings at 9 a.m. followed by fellowship time and Sunday School. All are welcome.
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