Archives West Finding Aid

Good Shepherd Lutheran congregation (GSLC) had its beginnings as a mission under the Board of American Missions of the American Lutheran Church. In August 1961 Rev. Berton Hushagen was called to serve as pastor. The first worship service was held at Goff Mortuary in Sandy on November 5th. On 21 February 1962, the congregation was officially organized with fifty members. About four months later, on 25 June, ground was broken at 8600 S. 700 E. in Sandy for the building of our first unit. Completion and dedication took place on 30 December 1962 at which over one hundred members comprised the charter list. Seven years later an educational wing was completed, largely through volunteer labor.

When Pastor Hushagen moved to Columbus, Wisconsin in January, 1970, the congregation was served by interim pastor, Rev. George Schardt. Pastor Jerome C. Trelstad, came to Good Shepherd in June, 1970, from Phoenix, Arizona. In mid 1971 the congregation refinanced its American Missions loan so as to be self-supporting. By 1976 all the notes on the education wing were paid. Through the years a strong Sunday School has been a part of its educational ministry. Also the Bethel Series was launched in January, 1972.

A part-time Parish Assistant, Marty Hoesch, was added in the fall of 1975. After Marty left for seminary in June 1976, the congregation proceeded to call a full-time Lay Assistant. Mr. Douglas Haugen accepted the call and began October 15th. Doug's wife, Doris, was added to our staff as part-time secretary in February 1977. With 669 baptized members (427 confirmed) representing 200 families, Good Shepherd looks to the future as a lighthouse of the Gospel of Christ where many can experience God's love and peace for their lives. [This history was copied from the account located in box 22, folder 5.] In 1981 Rev. Thomas Ashbrook became the minister. He was followed by Rev. Robin Dugall in 1988, and Rev. Arthur Weitschat in 1990, and Rev. James Munter in 1991.