Our Saviour Lutheran Church: Decade of Growth, Faith, and Service (1937-1946)

A Historical Review for the Centennial Celebration, one decade at a time each month

Worship, Teaching, and Congregational Life

From 1937–1946, Our Saviour Lutheran Church experienced steady growth in worship, Christian education, and community life, even amid the challenges of World War II.  Sunday School and Bible Class were central to congregational life held each Sunday at 9:30 a.m. Adults gathered in the Sanctuary while children met in classrooms downstairs, with multiple classes sharing large rooms due to limited space.

Sunday morning worship service followed at 10:30 a.m., and a separate Sunday evening service was held at 8:00 p.m. Members were strongly encouraged to attend both with summer evening services often held outdoors on the church lawn, fostering fellowship and community service.

Holy Communion was celebrated monthly, alternating between the morning and evening services. In the church’s printed Weekly Announcer, Pastor Paul A. Juergensen urged members to treasure this means of grace. His pastoral concern was evident when he wrote: “Holy Communion will be celebrated next Sunday evening at 8 o’clock. Please register. Many have not communed thus far. How long will such go on spurning the blessing of God? Such an attitude pains a pastoral heart. Commune. God wishes to bless you.”

These years laid a firm foundation for the congregation’s worship and spiritual life, reflecting deep devotion to both Word and sacrament.

Pastoral Leadership: A Time of Transition and Growth

Strong pastoral leadership guided the congregation throughout this decade. Pastor Paul A. Juergensen, who had served since 1925, continued to shepherd the congregation until 1941, when he accepted a call that would eventually elevate him to leadership within the Southern Illinois District.

On September 14, 1941, Rev. Edgar J. Mundinger was installed as the second pastor of Our Saviour. His installation sermon was delivered by his brother, Dr. Carl S. Mundinger, President of St. John’s College in Winfield, Kansas, based on 2 Timothy 4:1–5. Pastor O.H. Pooler conducted the installation.

Pastor Mundinger’s ministry began immediately and energetically. That same afternoon, he baptized Claudia LaVonne Gulley, and four days later received into membership Mr. and Mrs. William Beilharz. At the first service on September 21, 145 copies of The Lutheran Hymnal were consecrated, using hymns 29, 388, and 473. Pastor Mundinger preached on “The Office of the Ministry, an Ambassadorship for Christ” 2 Corinthian 5:17-21.

Under Pastor Mundinger’s leadership, the congregation grew significantly, making further building expansion not only desirable but necessary.

Building for the Future in Wartime

Physical facilities played a crucial role in supporting the church’s worship and educational mission. Several improvements were made during this decade, even amid wartime restrictions. In 1940, the church celebrated its 15th anniversary with notable upgrades: a belfry was added, a new roof installed, and the interior redecorated.

The most significant expansion came during the war years. On April 14, 1943, the congregation applied to the War Production Board seeking permission to enlarge the church. The stated reason was the rapid population growth caused by nearby war industries, including bomber plants. Despite strict controls on building materials, permission was granted, and ground was broken on May 10, 1943.

The addition included: 

• An enlarged nave

• A spacious chancel

• A choir and organ room

• A pastoral office

• A 25 x 40 foot classroom

• A kitchen and furnace room

Designed by Lutheran architect J. Adam Fichter and built by contractor Fred T. Wyatt, the expanded facilities were dedicated on September 26, 1943, with Pastors Paul Juergensen, L.H. Deffner, and T.A. Weinhold as speakers. The project required four separate War Production Board grants, three of which were obtained after a tragic accident caused the east wall to collapse—an event the congregation later viewed as God turning adversity into blessing. The securing of these grants was due to the tireless efforts of Mr. David Schulteis, and the entire expansion stands as a monument to the united efforts of the entire congregation, carried out under the leadership of Mr. H.W. Buck, chairman of the Building Committee.

In 1943, a coal furnace was installed through the efforts of Mr. William Beilharz, as gas heating was prohibited by wartime regulations. Conversion to gas finally occurred in 1945, providing modern heating “at the flick of a thermostat.”

Christian Day School: Education in Challenging Times

Christian education remained a defining mission of Our Saviour, growing despite limited space and a national shortage of trained teachers. Mr. Walter Steinberg, the school’s first teacher, served from 1931 to 1940 in a one-room schoolhouse. When he left midyear for St. Luke’s in Chicago, Mr. Truman Leuthauser, a student from Seward, Nebraska, took over and stayed until 1948, providing stability during challenging times. Like many teachers then, he attended summer school while teaching to complete his degree.

Our Saviour Lutheran School, 1938

By 1940, enrollment reached the maximum of 30 students, and some had to be turned away. In 1942, an eighth grade was added along with a second classroom, but wartime restrictions meant grades 1–3 were temporarily taught in the sanctuary.

In 1945–1946, Mrs. Concordia Ostermann was hired to teach the primary grades, strengthening the school’s staff postwar. By 1946, leaders hoped to add a kindergarten, nursery school, and even a four-year high school, dreams that would require expanded facilities. As history shows, kindergarten and preschool would indeed become a reality in the years to come.

Music, Organizations, and Neighborhood Outreach

Music and organizational life flourished during these years. In 1941, a new church organ was purchased for $600, replacing a small reed organ. It was dedicated with a concert on March 9, 1941. Special musical programs and sacred films reflected the congregation’s appreciation for beauty and Christian culture, with visits from choirs and musical groups connected to Lutheran institutions.

The congregation also expanded its organizations, including the Parent-Teacher Club, organized in 1936, with evening meetings added in 1942 so that both parents could participate.

On August 2, 1928, the congregation decided to allow political parties to use the church lot for public speaking; however, on March 8, 1929, it was decided not to permit the city the use of the church for voting purposes. On October 14, 1936, the Rosedale Civic Club was granted the use of the school room for its weekly Wednesday meetings. Later, on August 12, 1941, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of Rosedale were allowed to use the church lawn for an ice cream social.

As of the twentieth anniversary, Vacation Bible School had been conducted every year since the summer of 1926, with the enrollment fluctuating from 30 to 115.

The organization of a Boy Scout Troop in 1942 and of a Camp Fire Girls unit in 1945 was a direct contribution to community life.

In 1945, the Weekday School, held each Wednesday, had an attendance of 155 children.

Civic Activity and Community Service: A Christian Responsibility

Throughout its early years, Our Saviour clearly distinguished the roles of Church and State while encouraging faithful Christian citizenship. The Church focused on the “sword of the Spirit,” the Word of God, while respecting the State’s civil authority. Christians were called to serve their communities thoughtfully and prayerfully, guided by Scripture with the Church providing moral guidance and allowing community service to become a natural expression of Christian faith.

On January 9, 1942, the congregation organized a Red Cross First Aid Class, certifying approximately 35 members and community residents, taught by a registered nurse from the University of Kansas Hospitals. During World War II, members also served in the Civilian Defense program as fire watchers, assistant firemen, and anti-sabotage patrols supporting wartime defense efforts.

In 1945, Pastor Mundinger, together with City Missionary Edgar M. Roschke, successfully persuaded the Wyandotte County Board of Commissioners to convert an unused room at the Courthouse into an attractive, well-appointed chapel for county prisoners and wards of the Juvenile Court. The $2,500 project provided a space for preaching the Gospel, with strong support from Judge Clark E. Tucker and County Commissioner Roy Wheat.

These efforts reflected the congregation’s belief that loving one’s neighbor includes responsible service to the wider community, carried out in humility, good order, and trust in God’s guidance.

A Congregation at War—and at Hope

The impact of World War II was deeply felt by the congregation, both individually and collectively. Twenty-one members were called to serve with duties spanning from the Battle of the Bulge in Europe to the Pacific islands: Fred O. Cole, Reinhardt Greb, Naomi-Niemann Gubanyi, Vernon E. Hauser, Fred Heinitz, Herbert O. Keller, Cloyd J. Kracht, Lloyd C. Kracht, Robert McDonald, David A. Metzler, William Michel, Ralph Minden, William Mitchum, Fredrick Preisler Jr., Reinhold Schreiner, Edward Schulteis, William R. Segraves, Bane Tatman, Arthur Lee Upton, Kenneth J. Upton, and Lester Windler. The calls were so frequent that for three successive meetings of the Walther League, new presidents had to be elected. Most maintained regular contact with Pastor Mundinger, who sent monthly updates through the bulletin, General Chatter. One traveled 75 miles to attend worship at a small mission, and another sent $100 to support the congregation’s work. By God’s grace, all returned safely.

As the war ended, the congregation looked forward with confidence—committed to evangelism, education, and faithful worship. The hopes articulated in 1946 would guide Our Saviour for decades to come.

Conclusion: A Decade Rooted in Faith, Ready for the Future

From 1937 to 1946, Our Saviour Lutheran Church grew in faith, worship, and service despite the hardships of war and limited resources. Through faithful pastoral leadership, dedication to Christian education, and a strong commitment to Word and Sacrament, the congregation was strengthened and prepared for the future. As the decade ended, Our Saviour stood united, grateful for God’s blessings, and ready to continue its mission with confidence and hope.