The Redeemer Guides the History of His Church

Redeemer Lutheran Church 50th Anniversary

    On September 26, 2004 Redeemer celebrated 50 years of God's grace in the Highland, Indiana 

community and the world. Many special activities have taken place including an Anniversary Banquet 

held at Teibel's Restaurant on that day. A family picnic was held during the summer, and a 

pictorial directory was published. As the year progressed the Redeemer family 

were mindful of the many blessing the Lord has bestowed upon His people. 

Redeemer's History

     Redeemer Lutheran Church's history began on January 10, 1954 when the first meeting of Highland Lutherans was held at Concordia Lutheran Church in Hessville. Several meetings followed to draw up the constitution and form a canvassing committee. The name "Redeemer" was chosen for the church in August of 1954, and a call was extended to Rev. David Koening. September 26, 1954 marked the first service, and it was held at Pleasant View Dairy Hall with 162 people in attendance.  The charter membership consisted of 98 communicant members, and 172 souls. In March of 1953 the site for the church building at Kennedy and 38th street was purchased for $10,000. The church building costing $51,570 was dedicated on September 9, 1956. One year later the first kindergarten class was held.

    Rev. Ralph Dipple was installed as pastor of Redeemer on February 26, 1978. One year later the congregation decided to expand and renovate the church. During the project services were held at Highland Junior High School. Dedication of the new building took place in September of 1981.

    Redeemer's fourth and current Pastor, Rev. Arthur R. Burkman, was installed on August 25, 1985. Pastor Burkman and Redeemer have nurtured 18 pastors in training through a vicarage program which began in 1986 until the present. Also in  1986, the new Zimmer pipe organ was dedicated on Redeemer's 30th Anniversary. Also that year the Little Lambs preschool was established. In 1994 the hail damaged roof was repaired with part of the funds raised through a walk-a-thon. Charter member Betty Jantzen was also recognized that year for 50 years of service to the Lord as an organist.

    In 2000 Redeemer rewrote its church constitution and created a Church Council to replace the previous Voter's Assembly governing structure. Redeemer is now the church home to approximately 350 families. God has truly blessed Redeemer throughout its fifty year history! To God alone be the glory!