Redeemer Lutheran Church

1106 Shreveport-Barksdale Hwy

Shreveport, LA  71105

(318) 868-5778

Pastor Perry Culver

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 HISTORY

In May, 1955, thirteen members of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Shreveport began to establish a second Missouri Synod Lutheran Church to serve residents in the East Shreveport-Broadmoor area.  With the assistance and guidance of the Southern District (LCMS), the "Shreveport Lutheran Mission" was organized by the following Charter Members:

Mrs. June Buckner

Mr. & Mrs. Frank Kothe

Mr. & Mrs. Frank McGowan

Mr. & Mrs. Emil Herzog

Mr. & Mrs. Fred Michaelis

Mr. & Mrs. Wendal Sorenson

 Services were held in Johnson Hall at Centenary College and for the most part were conducted by vicars from New Orleans.  On January 13, 1956, the name "Redeemer Lutheran Church" was chosen.  Later in 1956, the Board of Directors of the Southern District granted unanimous approval for financial support to purchase ground and construct worship facilities.

In 1957, a site of 2.3 acres of land at 1106 Shreveport-Barksdale Highway was purchased for $23,700.  At that time none of Shreve City and very little of the Anderson Island subdivision had been developed.  On July 14, 1957, the first pastor, Rev. Robert J. Werberig, was installed in the Brown Memorial Chapel at Centenary College.  Later in 1957, Osborn Funeral Home made its chapel available for the morning worship services which were conduct3d there for about one year.  Lenten services were held at B'Nai Zion Temple.

Ground breaking ceremonies for the new church were held May 11, 1958.  A cornerstone laying service for the first unit of Redeemer was held August 24, 1958.  Cost of the first unit was $68,900.  The first worship service in the new sanctuary was held November 2, and the dedication service on November 23, of that year.  District President, Dr. Edgar Homrighausen, was the guest speaker.

In September 1962, a second unit, which consisted primarily of Sunday School facilities, was added at a cost of $58,400.

Pastor Werberig accepted a call to Pensacola, Florida, and preached his last sermon on May 5, 1963.  From then through June, 1964, the vacancy was filled by Dr. Martin W. H. Holls, Pastor Emeritus.

The Rev. Walter Link was installed pastor of Redeemer on July 7, 1964, and served until 1969, when the Rev. Adrian L. Bacarisse accepted the call to Redeemer and was installed on October 12, 1969.

In November, 1972, Redeemer sold a portion of the property not being used to the United Mercantile Bank for the sum of $80,000.  The sale of this property provided funds to retire the church mortgage.

Pastor Bacarisse served until August, 1980.  The Rev. Lothar Kleinhans, retired, served as interim pastor until July 12, 1981, when the Rev. Larry E. Stier was installed.  Pastor Stier served until March 4, 1990.

In 1982, a new church worship hymnal was studied and the congregation began using it early in 1985.

From March 5, 1990, until July 26, 1992, Pastor Sigfried Kunz of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Bossier City, served as vacancy pastor with the assistance of Pastor Charles R. Lindsey.

On November 3, 1991, Redeemer Lutheran Church marked the New Beginning and Rebirth of the Congregations with a Renewal Service.  District President, Rev. Orval Mueller, was the guest speaker.

On July 26, 1992, Rev. Brad Heintz was installed and served as pastor until 1996.  He took a call to be an Associate Pastor in Houston, TX.

Rev. Bruce Donley took a call to Shepherd of the Bay, Lillian, Alabama.  Pastor Donley served Redeemer Lutheran Church until December 18, 1999.

Redeemer had several vacancy pastors that served the Church until a the Church was able to receive permanent placement.  Those serving as vacancy pastors are:  Pastor Ted Andrada from 7-28-96 through 09-15-96; Pastor Rod Loose from 9-15-96 through 12-8-96; and Pastor Thompson from 1-30-99 until 4-30-00.

On June 16, 2003, Redeemer received Vicar Perry Culver from Concordia Theological Seminary - Fort Wayne, IN.  Vicar Perry Culver is from Texas, living in Houston, Waco, Austin, and Rowlett, TX before entering the Seminary.  He was ordained into the ministry and installed as pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church on Aug. 1, 2004.