THE HISTORY OF
The Lutheran Church of the Redeemer
Wilmington Island, Georgia
1899-1945 The Mission Church
In the first half-century of 1900, Wilmington Island was isolated and agricultural, so travel to the island was by boat, as there were no roads to the Island. One island resident, Ms. Lottie Lang, became a driving force for developing the Union Mission Church of Wilmington Island, built on Kessel Street and dedicated in 1899. Lang sometimes conducted services, giving special attention to children’s programs.
The first Sunday School for African-American residents of the island was conducted regularly in the primitive church on Kessel Street between 1918 and 1936. The congregation worked together to put install a furnace and put screens on the windows to encourage attendance. The church bell, an important part of the church on Kessel Street, was added in 1911. Boys from the church rang the bell to let people know when it was time to worship, when boats were about u to leave, or when there was a fire on the island.
Much of Redeemer’s early history is gleaned from the records of Lang, who lived on the island with her family. Lang, along with Etta Judken, Mamie Schaefer, Annie Halverson, May Rue, Josie Land, and Dora Judken worked to establish worship services and programs. The first focus, around 1917, was on providing Bible School for children and adults, and eventually pastors from the Methodist Church in Savannah were engaged to provide one or two worship services each Sunday. By 1924, the women who were organizing programs began to provide Bible School each Sunday afternoon for 102 African-American children who lived on the island. By 1932, that number grew to 253; however, according to written records, by 1936 services for African-Americans were discontinued.
According to Lang’s historical records, attendance at Sunday morning services continued to grow, from 369 in 1929 to 462 in 1933. Lottie Lang died in March 1945, and the Rev. Alfred Shelley, pastor of St. Luke’s in Thunderbolt, became supply pastor of the church until his death the following year.
1946-1963 The Growing Church
As Union Mission Church, the congregation had a variety of interim and supply pastors. Under the leadership of Rev. Philip L. Wahlberg, who began as a supply pastor on July 1, 1946, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Redeemer was organized and chartered in a ceremony on February 1, 1948. At that time, it was the only church on Wilmington Island.
The 24 adult charter members:
Mrs. M.E. Boyd Mrs. Henry E. Klees
Mr. and Mrs. B.S. Brisbois Mrs. Millie Meinert
Miss Joan C. Bush Mr. and Mrs. J.F. Mitchell
Mr. and Mrs. L.E. Carn Mr. and Mrs. B.R. Rhines
Mr. T.M. Daniels, Jr. Mrs. Jack Rollins
Mrs. T.M. Daniels, Sr. Mr. and Mrs. John D. Shinall
Mrs. C.L. Floyd Mrs. Catherine Stahmer
Miss Nellie Floyd Mrs. Valentine Seyden
Mr. C.G. Gilliken Mr. and Mrs. A. Frank Winter
The 19 baptized children:
Lander E. Carn, Jr. Arthur Joseph Klees
Cheryl Christina Carn Helen Diane Klees
Delphia Jay Daniels Carol Jean Klees
Thomas M. Daniels, III Richard Own Mitchell
Mary Gray Gilliken Jacklyn Carol Shinall
Clemmie Watson Gilliken John Dietrich Shinall, Jr.
Roy Clifton Gilliken Robert Stevens Shinall
Everett Lee Gilliken
Jereldeen Ann Gilliken
Rev. Wahlberg resigned in 1950, but it was not until 1956 that the church got its first full-time pastor, the Rev. Luther L. Swygert. Under Swygert’s leadership, the congregation was incorporated in 1960 and made its decision to move to 51 Wilmington Island Road.
That property The new location was originally owned by a charter member of the church, B.R. Rhines. Mr. Rhines operated a floral nursery on the grounds and in other areas on the island. Mr. Rhines’ daughter, Grace (Mrs. Marion E. Boyd), was also a charter member of Redeemer, and she lived with her family on Turner’s Creek, just across from 51 Wilmington Island Road. Mrs. Boyd’s daughter, Evelyn Bristow, joined Redeemer on May 5, 1949, and is still a member today.
With land to build on, the church broke ground in April 1963 for what was then a “radically ultra-modern” sanctuary. The church was designed by Carl “Bunky” Helfreich, a young Savannah architect who eventually became internationally known for his building designs as well as for sailing. While Helfreich was drawing up preliminary plans, Pastor Swygert resigned his call, and the Rev. Clarence H. Stucke became pastor on January 1, 1963New Paragraph
1963-1980 New Building, New Programs
Construction of the new church by the Rives Worrell Company (now the J.E. Dunn Company) of Savannah began in April 1963. The work moved quickly, and by Sunday, May 3 of the following year, the congregation was ready to hold its service of dedication.
The Rev. Raymond D. Wood, President of the Southeastern Synod of the LCA offered the sermon, and 185 guests were present.
Following the May 3 dedication service, those present gathered at the foot of the newly constructed bell tower and dedicated the bell to the Glory of God and in Memory of Lottie Lang.
A new constitution was written and approved by the congregation on September 25, 1966, and in the spring of 1967, Redeemer’s first sign was constructed and given by Carl. E. Johnson in memory of his father, Elbert. In 1971 Redeemer became self-supporting, no longer receiving salary aid from the Board of American Missions.
Members and friends of Redeemer provided funds for Redeemer’s 24 faceted stained-glass windows, a colorful and meaningful addition that enhances the side walls of the sanctuary. The windows were introduced during Easter week of 1972 and installed 1972-1974. Many of the artistic windows depict an event from the life of Jesus.
During the 1970s, the church grew in programming as the congregation sponsored immigrant families from Laos and Vietnam. In 1972 the Lutheran Church Women of Redeemer began the “Sunshine Club,” which sponsored activities for the aging on the island. That same year, Pastor Stucke began holding monthly services at Oceanside Nursing Home on Tybee. In 1978 the sanctuary was renovated to provide “overflow rooms” that were used for both Sunday School and worship.
Unfortunately, the old church building on Kessel Street,now used by Boy Scout troops, was completely destroyed by fire
in June 1973.
1980-2000 New People, New Programs
Pastor Stucke resigned his call in 1981, after serving the growing congregation for more than 17 years. In 1982 he was replaced by the Rev. Jack C. Wray, who served until 1986. During Pastor Wray’s service, a new church sign was designed and installed, and Redeemer’s first church secretary was hired.
During Pastor Wray’s tenure, the church recorded 204 members with an average attendance 111. The congregation also began a Lutheran Layman’s Movement (LLM) building campaign to add a Social Hall and renovate the Sunday School portion of the church.
In 1987 the Rev. Paul W. Baumgartner became Redeemer’s fourth pastor, and he remained with the church for 17 years. His years of service included growth of both building and programming, and in 1988 the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer became part of the new Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).
During Pastor Baumgartner’s early years, the Social Hall was completed and dedicated, adding a gathering space for meetings, meals, and community gatherings. Renovations to Pastor’s office and additions to the Sunday School rooms were completed, and the sanctuary was renovated to give the church an updated look and 70 more seats.
In the 1990s growth of the church led to a second Sunday worship service, and a midweek fellowship dinner program was begun. The church developed a mission statement, which continued to provide the basis for mission even into the twenty-first century. The family of Dottie Schmidt, who served as organist and choir director for several years, donated the Moller pipe organ that is still in use. Gifts to the church during this time included handbells, With One Voice hymnal supplements, stained-glass entry windows, and pew Bibles.
In 1995 the church celebrated the ordination of Ralph Kraft, an active member of Redeemer for more than 20 years.
During its 50-year celebration, the congregation reported 429 members: 328 adults and 101 children. The average weekly worship attendance was 160, and the annual budget was $150,000. The Endowment Fund, established in 1989, now exceeded $28,000.
To serve a large and active youth ministry, the church hired Allison Ward as Redeemer’s first Youth Director in 1999. During the time Allison was at Redeemer, she entered the ELCA’s roster of diaconal ministers, serving Redeemer in various posts until 2018, when she retired to travel.
2000-2010 Expansion and Discipleship
To serve families who have lost loved ones, Redeemer voted in 2003 to add a Columbarium on the northwest corner church’s verdant property. Inurnment there is available to members, their families, and to all baptized Christians.
Members also undertook the BREAD Campaign, “Building Redeemer’s Expansion and Discipleship.” With the funds raised, Redeemer built an enclosed patio that connected the sanctuary, education wing, and Social Hall, thus creating a narthex to welcome visitors. Changes also included a covered walkway to the bell tower, an accessible entrance for members and visitors who could no longer accommodate stairs, and two new, modern rest rooms. The completed $800,000 addition was dedicated on January 5, 2003.
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The BREAD campaign also included replacement of the blue windows behind the altar with an architecturally designed wall of clear windows that open the sanctuary to a view of God’s beautiful world. Members and visitors alike are enchanted by the beauty of Redeemer’s sanctuary.
Lynda Ernst, a member of Redeemer, was ordained at Redeemer in March 2003.
Pastor Baumgartner left Redeemer in 2004, and the Rev. Don Hanberry served as interim pastor until March, 2005, when Rev. Wayne Cobb was installed as Redeemer’s fifth pastor. A talented musician and vocalist, he introduced a contemporary worship service with a praise band to Redeemer. He made strong connections with the youth of the congregation and had a heart for social ministry and social justice issues.
During this time Lutheran Church of the Redeemer began its ongoing relationship with the Second Harvest Food Bank. In the beginning, members donated a grocery cart of food each month. Although donation methods have varied, we continue to give food generously, especially through the Backpack Buddies program operated through Redeemer’s Social Commission. Backpack Buddies has served students and their families since 2011, providing food to food-insecure students through the weekends and holidays.
This was also a time remembered for Sharing Sisters (a women’s group for prayer and activities), In His Arms (an after-school program), and the beginning of the Care Team, which continues today to reach out to homebound in our congregation.
Review of Redeemer’s Council minutes show that the overall church—not just Redeemer—began to adapt to a changing culture. We saw a decline in membership and giving, partly because of a changing view of religion in our society.
2010-2022 Meeting Challenges: Technology, Pandemic, and Change
When Pastor Wayne resigned his call in 2012, the Rev. Jim Peper came to serve as an interim pastor until a new leader could be called. During this time, Sharing Sisters sponsored construction of a Meditation Labyrinth, using the time and talent of members. The Labyrinth was dedicated in March 2013 to the memory of William “Red” Deloach.
With a good sense of humor and many years of experience, Pastor Peper kept the church moving forward until 2014, when the Rev. Steve Hilgeman was called to lead us. Pastor Steve, a second-career pastor, brought us not only religious leadership, but also organizational leadership that strengthened the activities of the church. Pastor Steve developed the 3-year THRIVE stewardship program, which focused on educating the congregation about the five basic components of giving: operational ministry, Synod benevolence, contingency plan, Endowment/Gerken funds, and an emergency fund. He sought ways to increase benevolence giving and to complete the BRICK campaign, which built the handicapped-accessible entrance and rest rooms.
During Pastor Steve’s tenure the congregation voted, following work by a task force that met for two years and with educational opportunities provided to the congregation, to become a Reconciling in Christ church. RIC emphasizes that all people are welcome, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or other differences. In 2015, Redeemer also welcomed the Explorers Montessori Coastal Cooperative (EMCC), a growing pre-school that rents uses a portion of the educational wing for weekday use.
As we entered 2020, it became clear that the COVID-19 pandemic would keep members from worshiping together in person. Pastor Steve began drive-through communion on May 31 while Redeemer’s COVID-19 task force worked to determine how to worship together safely again. We used ZOOM technology to meet for Bible study and coffee hour, and in July 2020 we began meeting in person outdoors in the Labyrinth. Redeemer held its first Facebook live stream worship service on December 20, with Pastor Steve preaching in his office during the winter months. We finally came back together to worship in the Labyrinth on Easter 2021 and in the sanctuary on May 2, 2021.
Pastor Steve resigned his call and left Redeemer following Easter in 2021. Redeemer was fortunate to have Pastor Jim Peper, a former interim pastor in 2013, return to serve as supply pastor throughout the year until a call committee could work through the process of calling a new pastor.
With help from the Southeast Synod, Lutheran Church of the Redeemer called the Rev. Lynne O’Shea on April 11, 2022. A second-career pastor, she came to us with experience at churches in Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and Arkansas. She brought energy and ideas to enhance worship, stewardship, and Christian education. Pastor Lynne has a heartfelt passion for Redeemer’s members as well as for social ministries inside and outside the church walls.
Our church building will soon be 60 years old, and we are working to keep it strong. Our church programs change periodically, both with the needs of the community, and as members bring us new skills and lessons. We respect and are grateful to those who have gone before us, and we continue to look for new ways to be God’s hands in this world. We are here to worship and learn about our Lord, to serve our Lord, and to serve the community around us. While we celebrate Redeemer’s past, this congregation also has a strong focus on the future.
Happy 75th anniversary to Lutheran Church of the Redeemer. May the Lord’s grace continue to shine on our congregation.