Our Saviour Lutheran Church: Continuing in God’s Word and Work (1947-1956)

A Decade of Growth and Gratitude (1947–1948)

The third decade of the Lutheran Church of Our Saviour opened with deep gratitude and renewed dedication.  1947 marked a year of remarkable expansion under the leadership of Rev. Edgar J. Mundinger. Communicant membership grew from 226 to 265, while baptized membership increased from 347 to 408—a net gain of 43 Communicants and 61 baptized members. Worship attendance reflected this growth, with 11,674 people attending 72 services during the year, for an average attendance of 162 per service. The congregation gathered faithfully around Word and Sacrament, with 1,017 total Communion attendances recorded, including 16 services with communions and 50 private communions.

Material support mirrored spiritual vitality. Contributions in 1947 totaled $13,243.08, supporting both congregational and mission work. Among Kansas City congregations, Our Saviour ranked first in contributions to the Kansas District and third in average per-Communicant giving for congregational purposes.

During 1947, the congregation recorded 11 child baptisms, 4 adult baptisms, 6 child confirmations, 13 adult confirmations, 15 adults received by affirmation of faith, 11 marriages and 2 burials.

Not all growth can be measured by figures.  Much of it is intangible, revealed in greater participation in the Voters’ Assembly with increased responsibility for congregational programs and projects, and in faithful service on boards and committees.

In 1948, practical challenges accompanied growth. Seating shortages in worship and school prompted the Voters Assembly to approve two Sunday morning worship services. That summer, 125 children attended Vacation Bible School, and 73 students enrolled in the Christian Day School that fall—some transferring from public schools due to parental concern over unbiblical teaching on the origin of man.

Leadership transitions occurred as Principal Leuthauser accepted a call to Detroit. Mr. Clarence A. Buescher became principal in the fall of 1948, continuing the church’s strong emphasis on Christian education.

Building, Broadcasting, and Anniversary Vision (1948–1951) 

Physical expansion marked this period. On December 5, 1948, the congregation dedicated a second building addition, featuring a 24 × 30 classroom, hallway, and service rooms, equipped with blackboards, bulletin boards, and fluorescent lighting. Additional lots were purchased that same year for $12,500, securing space for future development.

Worship life flourished. Regular services were held at 8:30 and 11:00 a.m., with Sunday School and Bible Classes for all ages at 9:45 a.m. The congregation also tuned in to the Lutheran Hour, broadcast locally on KCKN and later KCMO, connecting Our Saviour to the wider Lutheran witness. A highlight was the Lutheran Hour Rally at Municipal Auditorium, featuring Dr. Walter A. Maier and a 200-voice children’s choir directed by Mr. B. Arkebauer. 

Congregational life in 1948 reflected both faith and fellowship. Bans were published for the first time for Ralph L. Scott and Mary Jane Schneikart, who were united in holy wedlock on Sunday, November 28, 1948, at 5:00 p.m. Leadership within the congregation remained strong.

1948 Voters’ Assembly Board consisted of Karl Pohl, President; Vernon Kelly, Vice President; Walter Diepenbrock, Treasurer, Ralph Minden, Secretary; Jesse Coffelt, Financial Secretary; Robert Toboll, Usher Staff Chairman.  

Newly elected officers of the Lutheran Missionary Auxiliary (LMA) included Mrs. G. Beilharz, Chairman; Mrs. W. Schimke, Vice-Chairman; Mrs. F. Preisler, Treasurer; and Mrs. H. W. Buck, Secretary.

In 1950, the congregation purchased the Beilharz residence at 4449 Francis for use as a teacherage and acquired 22 pews from Immanuel Lutheran at 42nd & Tracy. A hot lunch program was introduced in the school by 1950, further strengthening daily Christian nurture.

Planning intensified for the 25th Anniversary in 1951. A special meeting in January set goals for evangelism, stewardship, debt reduction, and future planning. The anniversary celebration on September 22–23, 1951, featured a 70-member pageant, Beginning from Jerusalem, on Saturday night and worship services attended by 375 people, with former pastor Rev. Paul A. Juergensen as guest preacher.  Rain disrupted plans for a lawn picnic, so the anniversary meal was moved into the classroom.

Education, Fellowship, and Organization Life (1951–1953)

By 1951, the congregation supported a robust educational ministry:

• Christian Day School with 84 children in eight grades, taught by three full-time teachers: C. A. Buescher, Principal, Ruth Koehler, Esther Molz

• Sunday School with 255 students and 14 volunteer teachers

• Released Time School (late afternoon, 1x/week) averaging 246 students from 19 churches

• Vacation Bible School with 136 children and 24 teachers and helpers

• Sunday Worship Services saw 13,768 people at 118 services, average attendance 264

Organizations thrived and shaped congregational life:

• Boy Scouts, led by Robert Stuckert and later Bob Wallace

• Camp Fire Girls, guided by Ruth Koehler

• Walther (Youth) League, with leaders including Orville Schumacher and Bill Buck

• Ladies Circle, chaired by Mrs. Henry Buck, later divided into smaller home-based groups

• Lutheran Laymen’s (Men’s) League, led by A. R. Gorthy

• Parent-Teachers Club presided over by Mrs. Claud Gulley

• Young Married Couples Club chaired by Don Faro

In 1952, the congregation mourned the passing of Rev. Paul A. Juergensen, first pastor of Our Saviour. His influence remained strong, and in 1953 the Board of Deacons recommended establishing a Paul A. Juergensen Memorial in the furnishings of the future chancel.

Membership continued to grow. By 1953, total soul membership reached 640, with 425 Communicants. That year alone saw 75 souls gained through baptism, confirmation, transfer, and affirmation of faith.  Our Weekday School, a vital missionary outreach of the congregation, grew from 40 students in 1927 to 308 students by 1953, reflecting the expanding reach of Christian instruction beyond Sunday worship.

Stewardship, Mission, and Expansion (1954)

The mid-1950s marked a turning point as long-term planning moved decisively toward construction of a new church. In 1954, a Loyalty Dinner launched a major Building Fund Campaign, supported by canvassers calling on every member household.

The Board of Deacons recommended practical enhancements to worship, including the purchase of 100 new hymnals at $2 each and 150 hand fans without advertising. The Ladies Circle received special thanks for a $1,000 gift to the Debt Reduction Fund.

The Building Fund Campaign resulted in $144,526 pledged, including $2,421 in cash contributions. The need was clear: existing facilities were overcrowded, obsolete, and structurally compromised. Educational ministries, fellowship activities, offices, and mechanical systems all required expansion.

Staffing also grew. Miss Dorothy Eckart arrived as parish worker, prompting the formation of a committee to secure office and equipment space. Meanwhile, some members residing in Merriam and Shawnee transferred to the newly established Hope Lutheran Church in Shawnee, reflecting both growth and mission multiplication.

Leadership Transitions and New Beginnings (1955–1956)

Change characterized the closing years of the decade. In 1955, Principal Clarence Buescher accepted a call to a congregation in Texas. Edwin Wohler served as acting principal until 1956, when Mr. Aaron Kopf was called as principal and music director.

Construction began on a new parsonage in August 1955, completed in 1956 at a cost of $15,800.70, providing stability for pastoral leadership.

A major pastoral transition occurred in 1956 when Rev. Edgar J. Mundinger accepted a call to Bethel Lutheran Church in St. Louis, Missouri, concluding more than 15 years of service at Our Saviour. During his pastorate, the congregation tripled in size, expanded its school facilities, and developed a strong volunteer base for weekday religious instruction. Rev. Howard Mueller was appointed vacancy pastor.

On December 9, 1956, the congregation gathered for the groundbreaking ceremony for the new church building—an event symbolizing faith, sacrifice, and confidence in God’s future blessings.

Conclusion: A Decade Remembered, A Future Entrusted

The years 1947–1956 were marked by remarkable growth in worship, education, stewardship, and mission. This decade witnessed expanded facilities, strengthened organizations, faithful leadership, and a commitment to Word and Sacrament.  As Rev. Mundinger reflected, “Only God measures such growth. It is a product of God’s grace. To Him should go all the glory.” The third decade of Our Saviour’s life stands as a testimony to that grace—laying a strong foundation for the decades that followed and for generations yet to come.