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History of GSLC
History of the GSLC Congregation
History of GSLC
This history was compiled in 1994 in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the church
building
The story of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church begins with a belief in God - and
how that belief brought forth the foundation of a church. We celebrate today
the 50th anniversary of the dedication of the building we now worship in.
However, the story of Good Shepherd precedes an address at Braddock and Luray
in Alexandria.
It all began when a man from Philadelphia came into a gas station and asked an
attendant if he knew of any Lutherans living in the area. This man was probably
Rev. Albert Harkins, who became the first minister of what would become Good Shepherd
Lutheran Church. The station attendant knew that Lutherans were largely German or
Swedish emigrants; so he recommended that the man contact a local real estate agent,
German-born Joanna Barry, who knew many people in Alexandria. He went to Mrs. Barry's
office and, as it turned out, Mrs. Barry and her husband were Lutherans. They worshipped
at a Washington, D.C., church because there wasn't a Lutheran church in Alexandria.
Not yet.
"Will you help me?" the man asked. "Sure" was Mrs. Barry's eager response. That afternoon,
he and Mrs. Barry pored over a list of tenants and homeowners to see who might be interested
in joining a Lutheran church. "We just called each person and asked, 'Do you belong to a
church?' Some said yes and some said no. And, we asked, 'Would you be interested in joining
a Lutheran church?'"
Several turned out to be Lutheran, but had not found a church where they could worship.
Twelve people were signed up on that first day. By the end of the month, there were 20
Lutherans signed up -- the first of those who, with faith and prayer, worked toward the
establishment of an American Lutheran Church congregation in the City of Alexandria.
Early meetings were held at Mrs. Barry's real estate office on Mt. Vernon Avenue. In
December 1936 a meeting was held at the Del Ray home of Charles and Hilda Purcell, where
the church's name was selected. It would be Advent Lutheran Church, an appropriate name
for the season in which it was founded. The first church council included Arthur Bosserman,
Marvin Bosserman, Charles Purcell, George P. Killian and Eugene Recker.
Rev. Albert Harkins' first sermons were at Town Hall. The first temporary home was the
Fire House, accessible, but a bit noisy; Emma Anderson remembers the minister having to
compete with the noise and confusion when "the fire alarm would go off and the fire engines
would go on call" during the services. A Sunday School and the Womens' Guild were formed.
The building of church membership was the initial task. Today, older members smile when
remembering sweeping up the popcorn at the Palm Theatre on Mt. Vernon Avenue after the
last movie in order to get ready for Sunday services.
Joanna Barry found the perfect spot for the new church's building. She and her husband
were instrumental in the purchase of a lot at Braddock Road and Luray Avenue on June 8, 1938.
The Womens' Guild hosted lots of oyster dinners that cost 50 cents and included not only
fresh oysters, but also ham, cole slaw, potato salad and rolls. Mrs. Barry provided
strawberries for a Strawberry festival. Monies were also raised through rummage sales;
and members went from door-to-door selling homemade pies and knives, which were made from
used railroad band saws.
Pastor Harkins and his wife, Margaret, lived behind Swante Swenson and his family. The
Harkins didn't have a car, so Pastor often borrowed Swenson's car if he had to go out on
calls. The fledgling congregation had little money. In order to make ends meet, the pastor
and his wife took in boarders. Communion wine and wafers were provided by a priest from
St. Rita's Catholic Church.
Pastor Harkins' status as a divorced and remarried Pastor made it difficult to obtain a
charter with the American Lutheran Church. Sadly, for the church and the congregation,
Pastor Harkins had to resign. It was after his departure that the Washington, D.C.,
pastors "showed an interest in us. If they knew of a pastor in town, they would send
him over to us for Sunday services," Swenson remembers. "We would pay these transient
pastors $10 for their work. If there were no pastor available, then one of us would take
care of the service -- and save $10 that day!"
In May 1940, Rev. Hilbert J. Wuebbens received the call; shortly afterward, the congregation
moved into a renovated bank building at Mt. Vernon Avenue and Oxford Street. This new home
provided a more spiritual atmosphere for the struggling congregation. Music was provided,
first by a piano, and, later, a pump organ.
Pastor Wuebbens and his family lived in a little cottage near Braddock and Mt. Vernon.
He and his wife had two sons and a rather large dog. The dog ran away on the first day.
"We called the whole congregation to comb the streets for this dog, but didn't find him,"
Swante said. Money was short in the early days. The pastor's salary was supplemented
with food and supplies. But, the congregation "was a happy group where everyone helped
each other and worked together," remembers Emma Anderson.
Swante (Bert) Swenson joined the church when it met in the Palm Theatre. A skilled
woodworker, Swenson crafted a number of items over the years for the church. "Pastor
[August] Gysan asked me to do a few things. When the church was built, there was no
money for an altar cross or candlesticks, so I made them out of wood and painted them
white like the furnishings. I had made some offering plates earlier, when we were
meeting in the bank building. After the new church was built, Pastor Gysan asked me
to make new ones -- with a smaller rim and a larger bowl, since we need more money to
pay off the debt!"
Swenson remembers a small congregation where everyone knew each other. Members were
working families who lived in the neighborhood, many working for the local ship building
industry or the railroad. In the 1940's and 1950's, government employees began joining
- and the church grew very fast with new families. The war affected everyone's lives.
In February 1941 Rev. Wuebbens resigned to go into active service as a US Army Chaplain.
Pastoral duties passed to Rev. Spoehr in April but he remained for only a short time.
Pastor August Gysan was installed in 1943.
A congregational picnic and mortgage-burning service were held in August 1943 to celebrate
the final payment on the lot. Next step: raising funds to build the new church. Church
members had to convince the War Production Board "that the purpose of the new structure is
to make a proper spiritual care available to a much larger group of people than our present
temporary quarters will allow." The church would be built with bricks and whatever materials
could be obtained during the war. The faith was there. So was the new name.
In November 1943 the church's name was officially changed to Good Shepherd Evangelical
Lutheran Church, in order to avoid confusion with the Seventh Day Adventist Church that had
purchased land at Braddock and Russell Roads. Rev. Gysan received the building proposal from
Cowles and Griffin, local contractors on February 18, 1943. A credit of $30,000 was to be
established with a local bank.
In December of that year, the Mission Board of the American Lutheran Church granted a loan of
$25,000 to Good Shepherd in order to build a church on the debt-free lot. The interest rate
(sigh!) was a mere 1%, paid semi-annually. The rest of the funding was provided through the
financial support of members and friends. The new church would need 16 windows ($40 each);
an altar ($100); pulpit and lectern ($275); pews ($44 each); and, of course, bricks. 44,000
bricks were needed to build the original foundation. The price: $22 per 1000.
Ground was broken on March 12, 1944. The congregation sang "A Mighty Fortress is our God"
and "Beautiful Savior." The Lutheran Standard recorded that someone held a beach umbrella
over the small organ. "The rains fell, and the winds blew, but the crowd turned out, and
the service went ahead. Many difficulties have had to be surmounted to get permission to
build....Even so, it was a unique experience and a heartening sight to see this crowd,
singing Luther's hymn, and then prayerfully watching the first spadeful of earth dug
up....God's work must go on."
It did, and does.
Good Shepherd's cornerstone was laid on May 12, 1944. A large group turned out for the
ceremony. Rev. Ralph W. Loew of the Lutheran Church of the Reformation was the main speaker.
Afterwards, the Daughters of Good Shepherd (better known as DOGS), hosted a tea party at the
parsonage.
Good Shepherd's new home was dedicated on September 10, 1944, when the keys to the church
were delivered to Pastor Gysan. "Peace be to this house, and to all that enter herein. The
Lord bless our coming in and our going out from this time forth, and forevermore. I was glad
when they said unto me," and the Congregation responded: "Let us go into the house of the Lord."
The dedicatory sermon was given by another man from Philadelphia, Rev. W.E. Schuette, then
president of the Eastern District, American Lutheran Church. The congregation sang "The
Church's One Foundation," "A Mighty Fortress is Our God," "Beautiful Savior," and "Now
Thank we all our God."
In November 1944, a Moeller Pipe Organ was installed. Rev. Otto Schuetze, then pastor at
Christ Lutheran Church in Bethesda, (father of 2 yr. old Lowell E. Schuetze) preached at the
service that celebrated the first anniversary of the church's dedication.
In the years following World War II, Good Shepherd continued to grow: new members, the
addition of a second floor, a full basement (and, the inevitable flooding provided by a spring
that runs under the foundation), choir practices, confirmation classes and weddings. On the
building's third anniversary in 1947, the bank's indebtedness of $6,000 was paid. The new pews,
which cost $2,582.56, were used for the first time on Reformation Day, October 31, 1948.
Doris Brideson, then a parish worker for the ALC's Mission Service, came to Good Shepherd in
1947 to start a private school. A first grade class was held in the lounge. The curriculum
was the same as the public schools. Parents paid $12.00 per month for tuition. Milk and
cookies were provided, but the children had to bring their own lunches. Second grade was
added during the next year. Expenditures forced the closing of Good Shepherd's school
in 1951, as tuition didn't cover the cost of running the school, including payment of teachers'
salaries. Good Shepherd alone could not afford the upkeep of running a private school. Mrs.
Brideson was also responsible for Bible Story hours and Vacation Bible school, which were held
at local housing projects.
During the 1950's, Alexandria's population continued to rise. World War II veterans were
settling down, raising families, and were now working for the government. Many families
lived in Fairlington or Park Fairfax. The neighborhood surrounding Good Shepherd was
"very friendly," Mrs. Brideson remembered.
Following Easter 1949, Good Shepherd scheduled two morning services at 8:30 and 11:00, a
schedule that continues today. Pastor Gysan left the congregation in 1949. The Rev. J.O.
Ensrud, a retired Army chaplain, served in an interim capacity until Pastor Wuebbens
returned in December 1951.
The present parsonage at 303 W. Glendale Avenue was purchased for $25,000 in April 1950.
Church members continued to raise funds to repay the American Lutheran Church's original loan.
It took ten years to accomplish this feat. The Womens' Guild hosted a lot of chicken dinners.
On March 7, 1954, a mortgage-burning ceremony was held at the church. The Sunday School and
fellowship hall were dedicated in November 1956 after a careful excavation under the sanctuary.
Until then the church had only a partial basement that included two Sunday School rooms, the
kitchen, and the furnace room.
On January 23, 1960, Rev. Carl Beyer was installed as pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.
The congregation is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, which was formed
in 1988, following the merger of American Lutheran Church, the Lutheran Church of America and
the Association of Evangelical Lutheran Churches.
Pastor Beyer retired in June 1992 after 32 years of service at Good Shepherd. The Rev.
Ivan Ives served as interim pastor for 16 months. Rev. Lowell Schuetze was installed as
Pastor on December 5, 1993.
On Sunday, September 11, 1994 we celebrate the dedication of this building and the work of
those early members of Good Shepherd who had the foresight and resolve to establish a
Lutheran congregation at this site.
We also rededicate ourselves to the mission of this congregation in this community.
Thanks be to God!
Our Thanks
to Marlene Eilers for her work in compiling this narrative history and researching the
church's historical records...
to Emma Anderson, Joanna Barry, Ruth Silbert, Margaret and Bert Swenson, Doris Brideson, Mae Counts,
Herman and Virginia Budde, Fern Curtin, Mae Counts, Sudie Tolson, Sonja Henry, Ruby Monroe and others
who offered their contributions...
and to those who have served on the 50th Anniversary Task Force chaired by Fran Golden, and who worked on interviews:
Miriam Hernandez Davis, Debra Johnson, Paul Lund, Midge Aycock, Linda Sheets and Pastor Schuetze.
History of the GSLC Congregation
The following is taken from the "Brief History of the Congregation" prepared for the celebration of the congregation's 50th Anniversary on
November 16, 1986.
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church was started in December, 1936, with a meeting in the home of Charles and Hilda Purcell, 2411 Randolph
Avenue, Del Ray. The first services were held at Town Hall, with Rev. Albert Harkins serving as the first Pastor. A Sunday School was begun
and a Ladies' Guild formed. Services were moved to the old Palm Theatre on Mt. Vernon Avenue, where on Saturday evenings the members
gathered after the last film showing to clean up the popcorn and bottles and transform the hall for church services. The first church council
members were Arthur Bosserman, Marvin Bosserman, George Killiam, Jr., Charles Purcell and Eugene Recker. At that time the church was
called Advent Lutheran Church. With the help of Joanna Barry and her husband, the lot at Braddock Road and Luray Avenue was purchased
on June 8, 1938, for the sum of $2,700. That money was raised by the Ladies' Guild holding church suppers.
In May 1940, Rev. Hilbert J. Wuebbens was installed as Pastor and shortly thereafter the congregation moved across the street into a renovated
bank building at Mt. Vernon and Oxford Avenues. Music was provided first by a piano and later by a pump organ. A parsonage was located at
115 E. Monroe Street.
In February, 1941, Rev. Wuebbens resigned to go into the Chaplaincy service and Rev. Spoehr began his duties as Pastor in April of that year.
The parsonage was relocated to 103 E. Luray Avenue. The first class was confirmed in 1942.
Pastor A. E. Gysan was installed in 1943, and in November of that year the name of the church was changed to Good Shepherd Lutheran
Church. In December, 1943, a loan in the amount of $25,000 was granted by the Mission Board of the American Lutheran Church to build a
church on the existing debt-free lot. Ground was broken March 12, 1944. The bulletin for the Groundbreaking Ceremony (held on a very
inclement day) noted that the total cost of the building, including furnishings, was approximately $29,000. The ALC loan for $25,000 carried
1% interest, payable semi-annually.
Two plans were offered to defray the loan: (1) New Church Contribution, and (2) Material purchase plan as follows:
Windows (16) at $40.00 each
Pews at $44.00 each
Altar $100.00
Pulpit $150.00
Lectern $125.00
Bricks at $22.50 per 1,000 (44,000 needed)
The cornerstone was laid May 21, 1944, and dedication of the building was held September 10, 1944. At that time the building consisted of the
sanctuary, lounge area, two basement Sunday School rooms, the kitchen and furnace room.
During this time a Luther League was formed and the Daughters of Good Shepherd (known as DOGS), the latter "taking interest in teaching
Sunday School, singing in the choir and conducting a nursery during church services". A Senior Choir under the direction of Mrs. Windsor
(Clova) Demains, and Jr. Choir were started, as well as Vacation Bible School.
In November, 1944, the present 1931 Moeller pipe organ was bought used from someone's residence and installed at a cost of $3,500.00.
Also that month the first wedding of Jack Hansen, USMC, and Barbara M. Fimrite, was held, and evening services established.
In 1946 Doris Green (later Mrs. William Brideson) began her work as Parish Worker. A Day School was started in September, 1947 with Doris
as the teacher. Mrs. Helen Speetzen joined the staff in 1948bas the second grade teacher. A school bus was purchased and an operator hired.
On Sunday morning the bus was driven by the parishioners to bring children to Sunday School. Mr. Leonard joined the teaching staff of the
Day School in 1949.
On the third anniversary of the church building dedication in 1947, the bank indebtedness of $6,000 was paid. The pews were installed at a
cost of $2,582.56, and used for the first time October 31, 1948.
In April, 1950, the present parsonage at 303 W. Glendale Avenue was purchased at a cost of $25,000. Pastor H. J. Wuebbens returned to the
pastorate on December 9, 1951. The Rev. J. O. Ensrud, retired Army Chaplain, served as Assistant Pastor during these years.
On March 7, 1954, the mortgage burning ceremony was held. The mortgage was held by David Albright (Treasurer of the church in 1944) and
William Brideson (Acting Treasurer in 1954). Mr. E. W. Recker, a member of both Church Councils, held the candle.
At that same time the church was reaching out into the community and had established a mission church. The March 7, 1954 bulletin noted:
"Last Sunday our mission adopted a name, Messiah Lutheran Church. Today Messiah Lutheran is having its organization church service here at
Good Shepherd at 3:30 p.m. All our members are invited. Also this evening Messiah Lutheran is having its first congregational meeting. Our prayers
and best wishes we give to this young congregation."
Also noted was that the Rev. H. C. Osterman, D.D., President, Eastern District, was preaching the sermon at Good Shepherd at 11 a.m. and also at the
3:30 p.m. organizational service of Messiah. The flowers on the altar that day were given by Messiah Lutheran Church.
On November 11, 1956, the Sunday School rooms and Fellowship Hall were dedicated, the same having been added after careful excavation under
the sanctuary.
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church was 23 years old when Rev. Carl W. Beyer was installed as Pastor on January 3, 1960. By this time the Day School
was no longer in existence, but the congregation had grown in members and was busy fulfilling its mission within and without the confines of the church building.
In December, 1962, a luncheon program was started for the retired members of the congregation. What began with about a dozen people blossomed
out into the community and now has monthly programs and a luncheon for about 75 people.
The usual church maintenance took place through the years; carpet was installed in the sanctuary and various memorials provided the chancel furnishings.
On June 18, 1978, the tall dark folding doors at the rear of the church were replaced with the glass memorial wall. Offices have been relocated as the
need arose, and in 1984 the grounds were redesigned and replanted. A full time lay staff person, Linda Sheets, was installed in October of 1986.
During these years many Interns were trained and served the congregation:
The Rev. Thomas Hudson 1971-72
The Rev. Barry Snowden 1972-73
The Rev. James Caton 1974-75
The Rev. Hans Bayer - Bavaria, West Germany 1976-77
The Rev. Faye Schott 1977-78
The Rev. Thomas Skrenes 1978-79
Mr. Bradley Binau (awaiting Call) 1979-80
Mr. Martin Keller 1980-81
The Congregation is also proud to claim as our "sons and daughters" in the Ordained Ministry of the Lutheran Church:
The Rev. James L. Caton
The Rev. Jann Esther Boyd Fullenweider
The Rev. Kathleen Dawn Haase
The Rev. Rebecca Miller Heber.
Sons of previous pastors also became Ordained Ministers.
The mission of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church continues. Children are baptized, attend Sunday School and affirm their faith in Confirmation
classes. The Church Council, Choir and many committees are faithfully carrying out their duties. The Women of the Church (as the name evolved
over the years) are active in many aspects of the congregational life. Weddings are solemnized and funerals and memorial services are held for the
saints. The congregation gathers for worship each Sunday and at special services during Lent and other appropriate times. Our presence is felt
within the changing community.
Throughout the last 27 years Pastor Beyer has served with love and concern for his flock, through joys and sorrows. He has endeared himself to
everyone in the congregation and we owe him our deepest gratitude for his untiring ministry in our midst.
A Festival Eucharist marking the 50th Anniversary was held on Sunday, November 16, 1986, at 10:30 a.m. The Rev. Dr. E. Harold Jansen,
Bishop of the Eastern District of The American Lutheran Church was present to give the sermon.
The material in this booklet was prepared by Patricia Martin from her research into the records of this congregation.
Page Last Updated: July 16, 2001
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