A Brief History

In 1973, the reality of a new Lutheran Church was forming in the minds of Art and Lorrine Theimer who had recently moved to the area of East Renton.  They called Pastor Norm Orth, Mission Director of the North Pacific District of the America Lutheran Church (ALC), and learned that the ALC had purchased a plot of ground in 1967 about 4 miles east of Renton but had never established a mission church there.  Pastor Orth and the Theimers began researching the possibility of building on this land.  After a survey and much prayer, a Task Force was formed.  Original members were:  Joe and Peggy Ziebarth, Ray and Esther Gower, Ken and Genevive Tschider, Greg and Jean Pratschner, Bill and Karen Walker, and the Freeman Frydenlunds.

Pastor Charles Mays was called from Fairfax, Virginia as the first pastor.  He started his work here on August 10, 1973.  The name "Lord of Life Lutheran Church" was agreed upon at a meeting held September 16, 1973.

Those first services and holiday celebrations were memorable.  They were held in Hagen's Square Dance Barn.  At the first Christmas service the people sat in the barn, on bales of hay, remembering our Savior's lowly birth.

Organization and formal welcome by the ALC, North Pacific District, was on January 26, 1975, with Bishop Clarence Solberg presiding.

Plans for a church building were soon begun and the dedication service was held November 7, 1976 with Pastor Orth and other dignitaries present to observe.

Pastor Mays served until December 1983.  Pastor Ray Lester was the Interim Pastor from January 1984 through June 1984, when Pastor Jim Rismiller accepted the call to serve Lord of Life until the present.

©2003 Lord of Life Lutheran Church
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