Our History

The 1970’s was a tumultuous time for the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod. The differences in interpretation of the Bible and church doctrine caused a great rift in many congregations. In February 1976, 39 people gathered at the Carol Lee Products plant at 30th and Haskell Ave., to share their love for the Savior and their love for one another.  They held a deep desire to work together to build a church and spread the Gospel in its purity.

Announcement of the Phase I building project at the corner of 27th and Lawrence Ave.

Announcement of the Phase I building project at the corner of 27th and Lawrence Ave.

Plans for Phase II, a larger sanctuary, designed by member and architect, David Scott, began in 1987 and by 1993 the city had approved the site plan.   In April 1994, we held a groundbreaking ceremony and construction began.  During construction, an organ rebuilt by local company, Reuter Organ, was donated by a member.  The core of the pipe organ was originally built in 1921 by the Reuter Organ for Hoch Auditorium at the University of Kansas.  In March 1995, the sanctuary was completed with stained glass (Coming Soon- the Stained Glass window page) and the organ installed.  Redeemer celebrated its first service in the sanctuary on Easter Sunday, April 16, 1995.

While our physical building was completed in 1995, the Redeemer family continues to work to spread the Gospel in its purity.  We have supported 4 members while attending Concordia Seminary in St. Louis.  We continue to work to Share God’s Love and Salvation with All People.

Brand new Sanctuary (1).jpg
Redeemer met at the Carol Lee plant for its first worship service on February 8, 1976. Carol Lee was a donut mix blending plant, so Redeemer was often referred to as the “donut church”.

Redeemer met at the Carol Lee plant for its first worship service on February 8, 1976. Carol Lee was a donut mix blending plant, so Redeemer was often referred to as the “donut church”.

In July 1977, Redeemer was accepted into the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod at the LCMS National Convention.  By the end of that same year, a building site at 27th & Lawrence Ave.  was selected and approved by the Kansas District LCMS.

In May 1981, Redeemer’s first full-time pastor, Rex Rinne, was installed and that November a groundbreaking ceremony was held for Phase I of a building plan.  Phase I was for an educational wing that would also be used as a sanctuary until Phase II could be completed.  By February 1983, Redeemer began worshipping in its new facility and the building dedication ceremony was held that June.

The start of Phase II of our new sanctuary.

The start of Phase II of our new sanctuary.

The core of our pipe organ was originally part of Hoch Auditorium - home of Jayhawk basketball from 1927 to 1955. After a fire in June 1991 completely destroyed the building, our organ might be one of the few original fixtures left in existence.

The core of our pipe organ was originally part of Hoch Auditorium - home of Jayhawk basketball from 1927 to 1955. After a fire in June 1991 completely destroyed the building, our organ might be one of the few original fixtures left in existence.