OUR MISSION STATEMENT
Reflect the Love of Jesus Christ in Thought, Word and Deed
OUR HISTORY
On December 9, 1948, at a meeting in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Oscar S. Brown, the establishment of a new Lutheran Church in Petersburg, Virginia, was discussed. On September 15, 1949, the Board of American Missions sent The Reverend Earl Knause Jr. to start to organize this new Lutheran congregation. A steering committee of ten laymen met at the home of Rev. Knause to make plans for the establishment of the church on October 5, 1949.
The first church service was held at St. John’s Episcopal Church on October 16, 1949. The formal constituting service of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer was held in St. John’s Episcopal Church on December 11, 1949.
In April of 1950 Sunday School was organized. Building lots at the corner of South Sycamore and Weyanoke streets were purchased on December 31, 1950 and ground for the new church was broken on September 4, 1951. The first service was held on February 17, 1952 in the new chapel.
The new Sunday School building was dedicated on September 16, 1957. The church continued to grow and on September 16, 1967 the new Sanctuary and new building facilities were dedicated.
Today Our Redeemer is an active congregation whose members strive to reflect the love of Jesus Christ in their thoughts, words, and their deeds. In keeping with our mission statement, the members of Our Redeemer strive to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ in our immediate community and throughout the world. We aim to serve the needs of others through personal sharing and giving. Also, we strive for justice and peace by advocating for the powerless and oppressed in our community. Our Redeemer welcomes all who want to join us in fulfilling our mission.
HISTORY OF PASTORS
Paul Christian July 1, 2011 – Present
David Shaffer June 3, 2001 – August 1, 2010
James Brady March 1, 1995 – June 30, 1998
William Batterman June 7, 1983 – October 31, 1993
Glenn Shackleford October 1, 1976 – June 30, 1982
Neil Cline July 1, 1962 – November 30, 1975
L.A. Wertz, Jr. December 5, 1959 – December 31, 1961
Roy Guinn June 1, 1953 – June 1, 1959
Earl Knause December 11, 1949 – December 1, 1952
