About Us
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Today, Our Savior Lutheran Church stands not just as a building, but as a living testament to decades of unwavering faith, community spirit, and a rich heritage. As one steps into its sanctuary, one is not just entering a church, but becoming a part of a legacy. We invite you to join us, to experience and contribute to this tapestry of faith that continues to be woven with each passing day.
Nestled in the heart of Arcadia, the tale of Our Savior Lutheran Church starts with the filling of a void. As the 1950s dawned, Arcadia was a city on the cusp of growth, yet it lacked a Lutheran Church of the Missouri Synod. Recognizing this void, twenty visionary families, inspired by their faith and community spirit, sought to create a beacon of Lutheran worship. Under the guidance of Pastor Wiederhoft of the First Lutheran Temple City, their dream took root in an unlikely setting: a dance hall on Huntington Drive. The ensuing decade witnessed the congregation's unwavering dedication. By 1954, they had secured a plot of land that would soon become the bedrock of countless spiritual journeys. Merely three years later, hands joined in unity to raise the sanctuary, a labor of love completed in a record year. The 1960s heralded expansion. The acquisition of the "Quint House," a 1919 home, added both space and charm. Named in homage to Mathias Quint, it stood as a testament to the church's evolving legacy. By 1967, the church's footprint expanded further with the inauguration of a fellowship hall and dedicated classrooms. As the pages of time turned to the 1970s and 1980s, the church embraced artistic expression. The interiors were graced with a reverent altar, capturing the essence of Leonardo Da Vinci's "Last Supper." The subsequent decade saw infrastructural enhancements, including the addition of classrooms, a pastoral office, and a rejuvenated sanctuary. The 1990s introduced an artistic marvel: the "Angel Window." Crafted by the talented Betty Jo Kniep, it depicted an angel, inspired by Carl Giese, symbolizing hope and divine protection. The dawn of the new millennium in the 2000s saw the church further its commitment to the younger generation with the establishment of the Youth and Family Building. The 2010s were characterized by a renewed mission, reflecting Arcadia's evolving demographics. With the city witnessing a surge in its Asian populace, Pastor Albert Chai emerged as a bridge between cultures. The current decade has been marked by outreach and growth, steered by the dedicated efforts of Pastors Eric Eichinger, Peter Jin, and Kathy Xu. |
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