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The History of Our Redeemer
Formation: 1848-1957
| 1848 |
“Missouri Lutheran Synod tried to begin work of Mission in the state of Iowa but was not successful. Eight years later (about 1856) another attempt was made and in 1859 the first congregation was organized in Iowa City and Rev. F. Doescher became its first pastor.” The last pastor was Rev. Christian Dryer (a son, Arthur Dryer, died January 10, 1982 here in Iowa City). This St. John's Lutheran Church was at the southeast corner of Johnson and Jefferson Streets. “A controversy arose in its midst which finally caused a split. the seceders took the property with them and joined the Iowa Synod. The small remnant remained with the Missouri Synod. Rev. Dryer resigned from the ministry in November, 1911. The small congregation disbanded and the property was sold.” (quotes from Historical Notes of Rev. Julius A. Friedrich, page 275, St. Paul Lutheran Archives. See also the Iowa City Press-Citizen of April 12, 1978 and of January 12, 1982.) |
| 1920's |
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod begins work in Iowa City, combining hospital chaplain, student pastor and pastor of residents. Services were held in Chamber of Commerce clubrooms then above the Iowa Theatre. |
| 1926 |
St. Paul Lutheran Church dedicated. Built by Iowa District and located at Jefferson and Gilbert Streets. |
| May 12, 1952 |
The first step in separating from St. Paul's was a tenant-landlord agreement between residents and the district. The district owned the building and the residents, as tenants, furnished the electricity, heat, pastor's salary , etc. |
| Jan. 1957 |
Land of 4.5 acres at First Avenue and Court Street, adjoining the new Court Hill development, was purchased to begin a “resident congregation.” At this time, the site was in the country with a farm house and a dairy barn on i t. |
| Apr. 30, 1957 |
Our Redeemer Lutheran church organized by residents of Iowa City. |
First 25 Years: 1957-1982
| May 1957 |
First building fund drive. The congregation would be loaned money on a dollar for dollar basis. Net contributions over two years totaled $35,000. |
| Aug. 20, 1957 |
Congregation called its first pastor, Rev. W.H. Niermann, then of Blairstown, Iowa. Congregation then being served by Pastor John Constable, student pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church. |
| Oct. 20, 1957 |
Installation of first pastor, Rev. W. H. Niermann. At this time, the congregation made final separation from St. Paul’s although the services continued to be held at St. Paul's until 1959. |
| July 13, 1958 |
Groundbreaking services were held on the new property for the congregation’s new church building. At this time the congregation numbered 334 baptized and 205 communicant members. |
| June 14, 1959 |
Dedication of first church for Our Redeemer. At this time, Iowa District East also deeded the land over to Our Redeemer. The purchase price of $24,500 was contributed by the District and the “loan” was canceled. Valuation of land and buildings at this time was placed at $80,000. |
| Feb. 19, 1961 |
Dedication of new parsonage at 440 First Avenue. Cost: $22,000. Valuation at completion: $25,000. |
| Sept. 1964 |
Dedication of Sunday School annex, adjacent to original basement. Five smaller rooms and one larger room were available for Sunday School. |
| July 1968 |
Voters authorized studies toward a new church building. |
| Apr. 1967 |
Building Committee appointed. During the remainder of the year an architect (Wehner & Assoc.) was hired and plans were drawn. |
| June 16, 1968 |
Groundbreaking ceremonies were held for the new church (the large sanctuary adjoining the existing first units). |
| July 1968 |
Voters authorized the building of a new Sunday School annex to be built by volunteer labor above the original annex. Another seven teaching areas were thus added. Cost to the congregation was about $14,000. Completed valuat ion approximately $22,000. |
| Aug. 3, 1969 |
Dedication of new church. Membership at this time was 533 communicants and 820 baptized members. With the new sanctuary, the total property valuation was placed at $457,000. |
| Feb. 28, 1977 |
Dedication of new pipe organ at Ash Wednesday services. |
| Mar. 20, 1977 |
Dedication concert of our new tracker pipe organ. |
| April 25, 1982 |
Our Redeemer celebrated the congregation's 25th Anniversary. The sermon: “Looking Back - Looking Ahead... After 25 Years” by Pastor Niermann (serving as pastor during those 25 years). Text: 1 Kings 9:3...1 Pet. 2:4-5, 9. Special Anniversary Message by Will Zitterich, Congregation chairperson. Choir Director and Organist: Jerry Wilske. Pictorial Directory distributed. |
| May 1982 |
Loren Teggatz begins mural on west wall in fellowship hall. |
| June 1982 |
First year of Our Redeemer Preschool completed with Kim Pfaff as teacher/director, Ruth Mayer as assistant. |
| Sept. 1982 |
New director/teacher hired for preschool, Beverly Prem. |
| Oct. 17, 1982 |
Our Redeemer held a second observance of 25th Anniversary. A 25-year history researched and written by Janie B. Yates-Glandorf was distributed. A covered dish dinner in honor of Rev. W. H. Niermann, installed 25 years earlier on October 20, 1957 was served at noon. |
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