Warren County Iowa Genealogical Society

Indianola Redeemer Lutheran Church

Indianola Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1410 W. Boston Ave, Indianola, IA (515) 961-6148, http://www.redeemerindianola.org/home/

Redeemer Lutheran Church 1960-1974 (copied at the Warren County Historical Society Library)

The Redeemer Lutheran Church of Indianola is a modern example of Nehemiah’s accomplishments when “the people had a mind to work.” (Nehemiah 4:6) In 1960, their first year, beginning with nine families, filled with enthusiasm and dedication,they experienced growth and development. In May 1960, Mrs. Merle LICKISS acquired the signatures of 21 interested families. This petition was sent to the Iowa District Committee of the American Lutheran Church (A.L.C.), was approved and Pastor FASSEE of the Martensdale Church began his shared pastoral ministry with Indianola.

By midsummer, a building site was purchased; first services were held in the Arcade Room of Peoples Trust and Savings Bank; Sunday School established and parish worker welcomes. On Novembr 6^th Sunday was observed with 111 present, the charter received; sketch of church proposed and adopted December 18^th; and December 25, 1960, the first Christmas was celebrated. All this in six months from June 30 to December 25, 1960.

Familiar family names of the early organization years and still active are: the Merle LICKISS, Chester SCHULTZ, Don LENTZ, Don CLATT, William KILLEN, Russ NEHRING, J. D. WILSON, Dean NEREM, W. L. ROBISON, Richard TOWNSEND, Larry TAYLOR. Interim pastors were Rev. Olaf HOLEN and Rev. Clarence NAGEL.

The years following record continued activity and dedication for in 1961 the membership had grown to 119 baptized and 62 confirmed. The building contract was let, ground breaking observed, excavating begun and the congregation moved into the building for its 1961 Christmas program. Their zeal and optimism delayed only by December 24, 1961 – 20 inches of snow – Services Cancelled!

During the last decade, under the projective, wise and earnest leadership of the pastor, Rev. Russell E. COMMICK (1963-1974) the church was built and dedicated a new manse, refinanced and constructed an educational unit, added new pews, and in 1971 dedicated a new Five Rank Temple Organ.

A few Redeemer Lutheran Historical Highlights:

• July 22, 1960 – Nine families met with Dr. H. SIEFKES and Mission Board representatives and established an ALC Misson
• Jan 15, 1961 – Budget per week - $72.40
• Feb 5, 1961 – Applied for $46,680.00 loand to build church
• Jan 28, 1962 – Dedication of church building, Dr. SIEFKES, speaker
• Aug 18, 1963 – Pledges per week - $216.00
• June 19, 1966 – Dedication of Educational Unit – Cost $37,000.00
• Jan 1, 1974 – Membership – 390 baptized, 242 confirmed