History of Good Shepherd

History

Good Shepherd Church was founded as a mission congregation in Frederick in 1953 and began its building on the present site in 1955. It has been a Ministry of the Lutheran Church for more than fifty years. In 1990, it renovated the worship center and gathering area as well as completely air conditioned the facility.

Following is a reverse chronology of historical events at Good Shepherd:

January 5, 2020: Pastor Dave Simpson installed as pastor

September 2017: Pastor Ed Heim called as interim pastor

November 18, 2013: Pastor Mark Huffman called as pastor

August 16, 2013: Pastor Roland Hobbs called as interim pastor

June 1, 2012: Pastor Cary Moorman called as interim pastor

May 31, 2012:  Pastor Ron Reaves retires

April 2012:  Mortgage paid off!

2008:  Pastor Gary Bilbie (associate pastor) retires

1999:  Pastor Gary Bilbie called as associate pastor

1994:  Pastor Ron Reaves called as pastor

1993:  Pastor LaVern D. Rasmussen and Pastor Bruce Barth retire
Pastor Robert Ruble serves as interim

1989-1990:  Congregation approved purchase of pipe organ and remodeling worship space
Dedicated February 1991

1988:  Pastor Bruce Barth became associate pastor

1984:  Pastor LaVern D. Rasmussen called as pastor

1983:  Dr. Henry Snyder interim pastor for nine months

1982:  Second major fire – arson

1981:  Pastor Carroll L. Boyer resigned
Jurgen Hilke became interim pastor for 21 months

1973:  Major fire – arson

1969:  Mission Board repaid for loan
Parsonage sold

1961:  Kindergarten and preschool started

1958:  Church dedicated – September

1957:  Ground breaking on West Seventh Street

1955:  Purchased building on Motter Avenue, Sunday school held at three homes

1954:  February 14 – Church formally organized, named Good Shepherd
Worshiping in the Staley Park Field House

1953:  September – first service held at Hood College – 322 people attended

1953:  June – Board of American Missions approved a church for northwestern Frederick
Carroll L. Boyer called as mission developer
Board purchased parsonage on Biggs Avenue

(Thanks to Audrey Asbury for providing the information above!)