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History of Redeemer
Up until the late 1950s and early 1960s, most of the area in what is now known as the Richland/Lexington School District #5 was farm land and homesteads, and a small, close-knit family community. During that time Allied Chemical Corporation and General Electric established plant production businesses on St. Andrews Road. Thus began the growth in the Irmo/St Andrews area.
As late as 1964, family farms and homesteads had claim around the vacant field that would soon become the present site of Redeemer Lutheran Church. At that time, the Board of American Missions of the Lutheran Church in America and the American Missions Committee of the South Carolina Synod approved the Irmo-Whitehall area as a mission territory. Called as a mission developer, Pastor Alvin H. Haigler began work in the field with a house to house survey on August 15, 1964.
On November 23, 1964 Rev. Haigler appointed a Developing Committee which met on that date. The committee consisted of: Hoyle L. Allison, Jr., James T. Hair, Ed Smith, and Otis E. Wessinger. W. Edwin Carlson attended the meeting and was appointed to the committee soon after. Two additional new members, Lewis Broome and L. Joseph Wolfe were added on December 27, 1964. The first church officers, appointed by Rev. Haigler were: James T. Hair, Secretary; Hoyle L. Allison, Jr., Treasurer; Ed Smith, Sunday School Superintendent; and Otis E. Wessinger, Chairman of Ushers. At the December 27, 1964 meeting the name "Redeemer" was selected for the new mission.
An interest meeting was held Sunday, November 29, 1964, 4:00 p.m. at the Irmo High School Cafeteria, with 41 persons present, representing 11 families. At a committee meeting on December 3, 1964 a resolution was made to adopt a unified budget. The first service was held in the Irmo High School Cafeteria on Sunday, December 6, 1964, 11:00 a.m., with 51 persons present, and an offering of $66.05 was received. The first Sunday Church School was held on December 13, 1964, at 9:45 a.m. Our congregation utilized the Irmo High School Cafeteria and seven classrooms for an annual rental fee of $360.
By the first service we had received contributions of a cross, candle sticks, paraments, and a pair of offering plates secured by Rev. Haigler. Dr. Herman Cauble arranged for the loan of a portable altar, and Bethel Lutheran Church, White Rock, S. C. provided a pulpit for our use until we were able to move into our new church building. The L. Joseph Wolfe family donated a piano to the congregation. The Lewis Broome family donated our first communion set. In March of 1966 the W. Ed Carlson family donated the first slide projector and record player. The first mimeograph machine was purchased in December 1964 for $150.
Our first celebration of Holy Communion was observed on March 7, 1965. The Charter Membership Roll was opened for the first time on July 4, 1965, and remained open until November 14 of that year. The first catechetical classes began in September of 1965.
The Charter Membership Roll for Redeemer was opened on July 4, 1965. Upon closing in November it was printed by Crowson-Stone, and later framed in memory of Mr. Lewis Broome, Jr.
The parsonage, located at 215 Banbury Road in the Whitehall subdivision, was purchased by the Board of American Missions for the price of $21,700 in August of 1964. With the organization of the church in November 1965, the congregation assumed this indebtedness along with many other projected expenses. The congregation authorized the Church Council to secure a parsonage loan of $14,000 on December 12, 1965. The parsonage was dedicated on December 4, 1966.
A building site was selected and the congregation purchased the property from Q. L. Corley, brother of Charter Member S. E. Corley, and is originally known as the S. S. Corley property (father of S. E. Corley). The original purchase was transacted in February 1965, being a total of three acres, for the price of $20,000. Mr. Q. L. Corley later contributed approximately 1/4 acre to Redeemer, which he felt we badly needed for adequate driveway space. In March 1965 a "Redeemer" sign was constructed on the church property.
A committee consisting of S. E. Corley, Oscar L. Shealy, L. Joseph Wolfe, and Pastor Haigler undertook the task of writing a constitution for the fledgling congregation, which was completed by October, 1965 and approved by the S. C. Synod. During a business meeting of the Redeemer Mission on November 7, 1965, election of officers, the adoption of a budget, and formal approval of the constitution occurred. The committee also approved a motion that a petition be sent to the South Carolina Synod of the Lutheran Church in America requesting membership for Redeemer Lutheran Church.
The Constitution and the proposed budget were read and adopted. The following members were elected to the first Church Council: Hoyle L. Allison, Jr., W. Edwin Carlson, Sidney E. Corley, Robert T. Davis, James T. Hair, Oscar L. Shealy, Wyman D. Shealy, Otis E. Wessinger, and L. Joseph Wolfe.
Redeemer Lutheran Church was formally organized and joined the S. C. Synod of the Lutheran Church in America on November 14, 1965. On organization day Redeemer received by Letters of Transfer, Restoration, and Confirmation, 84 confirmed members. Forty-six (46) children were received with families. The congregation was formally received into the South Carolina Synod of the Lutheran Church in America at the 141st Annual Convention of the South Carolina Synod, which convened April 25-28, 1966.
A specially called congregational meeting was held on December 5, 1965 for the purpose of extending a call to Rev. Alvin H. Haigler, Sr. to serve as pastor of Redeemer. The call was a unanimous vote and Rev. Haigler accepted the call. He was installed as pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church on January 16, 1966.
Our first Lenten Services were held in the spring of 1966.
Our first Loyalty Dinner for commitments to the building fund was held on April 25, 1966, with commitments totaling $12,765. Attorney R. K. Wise handled all legal aspects of property transfers in land and parsonage purchase. B. P. Barber & Associates were contracted in July 1966 to do the topographical survey of the church site at a cost of $225.
Architects Wessinger and Drafts were commissioned September 15, 1966 to draw plans for our church building. On September 25, 1966 the congregation voted to enter into a contract with Wessinger and Drafts to draw a master site plan and first unit construction plan at a fee of 8% of the first unit cost. The Master Site Plan was submitted to the congregation on March 5, 1967 and unanimously approved. Bids were opened for the first unit on October 10, 1967, 3:00 p.m. at the office of Wessinger and Drafts. Six contractors bid on construction. They were Cannon Construction, Ideal Construction, John Hollis, J. A. Meetze, Midland Construction, and Mechanics Contracting Company. Mechanics Contracting was low bid. At a special congregational meeting on November 5, 1967, the congregation unanimously approved a building contract with Mechanics Contracting Company.
Groundbreaking ceremonies were held on November 12, 1967, with involvement of the following: Dr. Herman W. Cauble (President of the S. C. Synod), Rev. Alvin H. Haigler, Sr., W. Edwin Carlson, L. Joseph Wolfe, Erma Wessinger (LCW representative), Pamela Wolfe (Youth representative), architect representative from Wessinger and Drafts, and a representative from Mechanics Contracting. A shovel belonging to Hoyle Allison, Jr. was used in the first groundbreaking, and all subsequent expansions.
The total building program cost, including property purchase, was $119,700, with $50,000 being borrowed from Security Federal Savings and Loan Association, and application to Board of American Missions for $45,000, to include a Guarantee Construction Loan with the Chase Manhattan Bank (National Association), New York, N. Y. The congregation on November 5, 1967 approved these expenses and procedures. Membership at the time of ground breaking was 220.
The church council approved a contract with Tripp Construction Company to pave the parking area for a fee not to exceed $2,000, on May 5, 1968.
The first worship service was held in the first unit of our new church on Sunday, May 19, 1968. The building consisted of a chapel seating 130 with provision for 50 additional persons in the narthex. There were nine classrooms, a pastor's study, storage room, rest rooms, and kitchenette in the nursery. Total area was 4,840 square feet. It featured individual cooling and heating all-electric units in each classroom.
The organ for the new church arrived in April I968. The Wicks One Manual Pipe Organ was the first of its kind to be installed in the Carolinas.
The Dedication Service for Redeemer was held on June 9, 1968, 4:00 p. m. Initial altar furnishings were dedicated at the same service and were contributed by the following:
Altar Fair Linens - Mr. & Mrs. Otis E. Wessinger and hand sewn by Mrs. Wessinger
Altar Service Book - Redeemer Lutheran Church Women
Altar Vases - Mr. & Mrs. Henry B. Gantt
Candle-Lighter - Mr. & Mrs. C. Donald Ringer
Candlesticks - Miss Mary Lou Corley and Mr. & Mrs. Sidney E. Corley
Communion Set - Mr. & Mrs. Lewis D. Broome, Jr.
Missal Stand - Mrs. T. D. Hoyt
Offering Plates - Mr. & Mrs. Walter F. Metze, Jr.
Green Paraments - Mr. & Mrs. Oscar L. Shealy
Red Paraments - Mrs. Eli L. Huffman, Sr. and Mr. Eli L. Huffman, Jr.
Violet Paraments - Mrs. Elizabeth D. Lorick
White Paraments - Mr. W. Edwin Carlson
Pulpit Bible - Mr. & Mrs. James T. Hair
AUXILIARIES –
Redeemer's first Vacation Bible School was held the weeks of June 7 & 14, 1965 at the parsonage. The second Bible School was held at Irmo High School in June 1966.
Redeemer's first Confirmation Class consisted of one member, Suzanne Boyd, who was confirmed on May 14, 1967.
Redeemer's Lutheran Church Men was organized on August 26, 1968, with 24 Charter Members. Mr. Harold Shealey was the first President.
Redeemer's Lutheran Church Women held its first interest meeting on October 27, 1965 at the home of Erma Wessinger, with 8 women present. Rev. Haigler appointed the following constitution committee: Edna Corley, Chairman; Erma Wessinger; and Miriam Shealy. The constitution committee met on November 7, 1965 at the home of Edna Corley for basic work on the constitution. On November 16, 1965, a second interest meeting was held at the home of Miriam Shealy with 12 women present, at which time the constitution was discussed and approved. The following nominating committee was appointed: Atherline Shealy, Chairman; Betty Davis, and Mitylene Irick. The organizational meeting for the Redeemer Lutheran Church Women was held on December 14, 1965 at the home of Atherline Shealy. There were 16 Charter Members. The first officers were: President - Edna Corley; Vice-President - Erma Wessinger; Recording Secretary - Ann Parris; Treasurer - Opal Boyd. These new officers were installed the first Sunday in January 1966. The first budget was set at $275 for the year of 1966. The constitution was approved and adopted, and the Redeemer LCW was accepted in the national organization of the LCA on December 20, 1965. In 1969 the LCW designed and completed Chrismons for the church, under the direction of Erma Wessinger. These Chrismons were dedicated in a special service on December 14, 1969, opening the Advent Season.
Redeemer's Luther League began meeting in the summer of 1965 and was organized in December 1965. The first officers were: President - Pamela Wolfe; Vice-President - Suzanne Boyd; Secretary - Juanita Wessinger; Treasurer - Rick Boyd. Robert "Bob" and Betty Davis were the first counselors.
The Redeemer choir was formed early in 1965. Pamela Wolfe was Redeemer’s first pianist, and Martha Allison the first choir director.
Mary Lucius became the church’s first secretary in 1965. Maenell Glover came to Redeemer in 1973 and has served us faithfully since that time.
The growth of the membership of Redeemer soon exceeded the capacity of its building. By January 1970 attendance for Sunday worship had risen to the point of necessitating two Sunday worship services. On March 14, 1971, the congregation approved a study committee’s recommendation for the second phase of construction, consisting of the addition of four classrooms and relocation of the pastor’s study, not to exceed $50,000, and approved continued study and negotiation of loan. On May 21, 1971, at a congregational dinner meeting, the congregation approved the Building Committee’s recommendation of awarding a contract to Ideal Construction Company and to arrange financing for the second phase of construction in the amount of $50,000. Actual bid was $47,600, plus architects’ fees. At this meeting the congregation also approved the securing of funds to pay off the second mortgage of $43,000, at that time held by the Board of American Missions of the LCA. Groundbreaking for the new addition, second phase, was held on June 6, 1971. The new addition was dedicated on November 14, 1971, with Dr. Heman W. Cauble, President of the S. C. Synod, and Rev. Paulwyn L. Boliek, Secretary of S. C. Synod, participating.
On November 5, 1972, following a called congregational meeting, Rev. Haigler read a Letter of Resignation to be effective November 30, 1972, to accept a call to St. James Lutheran Church, Sumter, South Carolina. The Rev. Paulwyn Boliek served as Vice Pastor for the duration of the pastoral vacancy.
A Pulpit Committee was appointed by Henry Knudson, Vice Chairman of Church Council, which included: Charles E. Harmon, Chairman, Hoyle L. Allison, Jr., William B. Drake, H. Paul Addy, Miriam Shealy, and Cornelia Collins. On February 4, 1973, the congregation voted to extend a call to the Rev. Melvin E. Amundson, pastor of Nativity Lutheran Church in Spartanburg, SC. Rev. Amundson accepted the call and began his work at Redeemer on Sunday, April 29, 1973.
Redeemer has had access to the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, and has been fortunate to acquire students to assist in various activities of the church since shortly after its beginning. It progressed over the first ten years and was able to employ a seminarian as a full-time pastoral assistant.
By the end of 1973, Redeemer’s membership had grown to 503 baptized members. By 1979 that figure had risen to 896. In 1981, the membership topped the 1,000 mark for the first time, and by April of 1985 the total membership had risen to 1211 baptized persons. The increase in membership once again placed a strain on Redeemer’s worship and educational facilities, so that by the time of the congregation's 10th anniversary in 1975 the issue of building expansion was at the forefront. By this time the original sanctuary, with a seating capacity of 220, was being used to accommodate an average of 300 worshipers per Sunday.
In light of the continuing trend in membership growth, and recognizing that even with two worship services, the then present building was becoming inadequate. The church council appointed a "Building Planning Council" with the task of plotting a strategy for a future building program. The work of the planning council reached fruition on August 6, 1978, when ground was broken for a new sanctuary and administrative unit. Officiating and turning the spade were the following representatives: Rev. Paulwyn Boliek, SC (Synod of LCA), Rev. Melvin Amundson, Vicar Gene Kern, Allen Marshall (architect), Paul Scott (contractor), James Kiser (Vice Chairman Church Council), Ron Flaherty (Building Committee), Ed Mohrmann (Commitment Drive), Edna Corley (LCW), Walter McKinney (LCM), Mark Schneider (Youth), Tom Bradley (Sunday School), S. E. Corley (charter members and Corley estate), Tommy Burgess (new members).
The architect for the building program was Columbia Architectural Group, Inc. Burriss Construction Co., Inc. was the contractor. The total resulting cost of this addition was $381,322 (Burriss bid of $265,071 for new construction and renovation of existing building, plus current indebtedness, plus furnishings). The first worship service in the new 450-seat facility was held on October 14, 1979. The new sanctuary and administrative wing were dedicated two weeks later on October 28, 1979, followed with a covered dish luncheon in the "new" fellowship hall --- the original sanctuary from the first building program. The congregation had 624 confirmed members and 245 children at that time.
Special gifts dedicated with the new sanctuary on October 28, 1979 were:
Tower Cross Mr. and Mrs. Hoyle Allison, Mr. and Mrs. Earl Singletary, and Mr. and Mrs. Henry E. Wodke
Chimes Mr. Sidney E. Corley
Altar Piece (Risen Christ) Mr. and Mrs. Lyle Campbell
Altar Mr. and Mrs. Walter McKinney
Pulpit Mr. and Mrs. Clarence E. Counts
Lectern Dr. Martin Weinrich
Baptismal Font Mr. and Mrs. Edwin R. Mohrmann
Sanct Lamp & Processional Cross Mrs. Kathryn Shull
Altar Book Desk Ms. Lucille Clemens
Candleholder Set Don, Gwen, Lynn and Rita Buff
Additional Candleholder Set Mr. and Mrs. Hoyle Allison
Candlelighter Mr. and Mrs. James Longshore
Communion Set Mr. and Mrs. Robert Chartier
Altar/Sacramental Linens Mr. and Mrs. Noah Meetze Mr. and Mrs. Larry Anderson, and Mr. and Mrs. Robert McClary
Flower Stand Mr. and Mrs. Thomas W. Beavers
Flower Vase Mr. and Mrs. Sidney E. Corley
Credence Shelf Mr. and Mrs. Henry B. Gantt
Offering Plates Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Shealy
Receiving Basin Redeemer Lutheran Church Women
Hymnboards Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Shealy
Clergy Pews Rev. and Mrs. Melvin E. Amundson
Mr. and Mrs. Sidney E. Corley
Pews Mr. and Mrs. Paul Addy, Mr. and Mrs. Tom Bradley, Mr. and Mrs. Don Buff, Mr. and Mrs. Clayton Collins, Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Stone, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Yeoman, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Brooks and Amy, Mr. and Mrs. Buddy Champion, Mr. and Mrs. James L. Epting and family, Mr. and Mrs. Michael B. Gleaton, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Gribble, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Hatfield, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Knudson, Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Leonberg, Tom J. Meetze, Jim D. Meetze and Mary Estelle Meetze, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Miller, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Murphy, Mildred and Dennis Newcomb, Mr. and Mrs. Philip Urso
Organ Fund Mr. and Mrs. Hoyle Allison and family, Mr. and Mrs. Bennie Derrick and family, Mr. Herbert A. Fengle, Mr. and Mrs. James Kiser, Rev. and Mrs. Earl H. Loadholdt
Narthex Bench Mr. Oscar L. Shealy
Tower Room -
Mirror Dr. and Mrs. Cooper Black, Mr. and Mrs. Gene Hallman
Light Fixture Mr. and Mrs. Earl Singletary
Office Addition -
Drapes Martha Allison
Shelving David Hiza
Landscaping Master Plan Dr. and Mrs. Michael Turner
Landscaping Items Mr. and Mrs. Otto Culley, Mr. and Mrs. Pierre Charette
The congregation’s continually expanding program and ministry has touched virtually every facet of the congregation. For example, the Lutheran Church Women, who began meeting as a single circle in 1965 split into two circles, the Naomi circle and a 'night' circle, in 1966. By the fall of 1977 the possibility of adding a third circle was discussed, and the Mary Circle was formed a short time later. By 1983, the total number of circles in Redeemer’s LCW had grown to five--- Elizabeth, Mary, Naomi, Rebekah and Ruth, with each circle expanding greatly within. The early 1980s also saw a rejuvenated interest in the Lutheran Church Men’s organization. The Youth Ministry has been a high priority for Redeemer throughout the congregation's history. The emphasis is due in part to the relatively large number of youth on the congregation's roll throughout the years, and to the leadership and interest of the pastors and adult youth leaders.
The Youth Ministry has expanded into three groups – Son’s Rays (grades 9-12), Monarchs (grades 6-8), and Christ’s Kids (grades 3-5). The extended youth program includes the Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, and Girl Scouts.
In 1976 Redeemer made the decision to enter into the intern program with the seminary. The first intern or “vicar†to serve at Redeemer was David Hart in 1976-77. He was followed by Gene Kern (1977-78), Larry Llewellyn (1978-79), Reggie Cruse (1979-80), Amy Omstad (1980-81), and Chuck Schwartz (1981-82). Vicar Schwartz remained on board in 1982-83 as a pastoral assistant while completing his senior year at the seminary. Vicar Schwartz brought a unique dimension to Redeemer's youth ministry in 1981 when he introduced the concept of clown ministry to the congregation's youth. After an interim without vicars, Gary Brandenburg became vicar at Redeemer from 1995 through the summer of 1997.
The population boom in the surrounding community throughout the 70's and into the 80's brought with it a large number of families with younger children and teenagers. As the character of Redeemer has tracked that of the area, the potential numbers of interested young people has grown over the years. Growth in membership in the mid 70's and the parallel challenge of opportunity for growth in ministry raised the issue of the possible need for additional pastoral staff. Since the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary is in the Columbia area, Redeemer has been able to use first and second year seminary students as field workers. These students over the years have contributed to the leadership in worship and Christian education, while sharpening their own skills in those areas.
By 1982 the church council was recognizing the potential need for more permanent additional staffing. The intern program had demonstrated the benefits of additional pastoral staff, and the continuation of Vicar Schwartz through a second year indicated further possibilities that a permanent position would offer more stability in maintaining continuity from year to year. A study committee was appointed, and in September of 1982 they presented the results of their study to the congregation, with the recommendation an additional pastor be added to the staff. The following call committee was appointed: Mike Turner, Chairman, Jim Kiser, Karen Metz (youth representative), John Freeman, Nancy Epting, Fred Starbuck and Bob Long. On May 1, 1983 Rev. Russell C. Kleckley was extended a call as Assistant Pastor. Pastor Kleckley accepted the call, and began his work at Redeemer on June 6, 1983. Pastor Kleckley resigned as Redeemer’s Assistant Pastor on October 1, 1986 to accept a sabbatical to Germany.
The following call committee was appointed: Fred Starbuck, Chairman, Hoyle L. Allison, Jr., Pat Crosby, Jim Epting, Glenda George. Rev. Marguerite Rourk was ordained May 17, 1987 and installed as Assistant Pastor at Redeemer June 28, 1987. Pastor Rourk resigned December 31, 1990 to become Director of Church Relations at Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary.
Redeemer Church Council appointed the following call committee: Nancy Freeman, Chairman, Marielle Charette, Rosina Dickson, Mike Shealy, Larry Varner, Chris Shealy, Fred Splittgerber, Rosemary Frick, and Bob Fulmer (Alternate). Rev. John Stirewalt from St. Stephen Lutheran Church, Gold Hill, NC was extended a call to be Assistant Pastor in May 1991. He was installed July 7, 1991. Pastor Stirewalt resigned effective January 31, 1997 to accept a call to the mission field in Austin, Texas.
The congregation had additional needs in the area of staffing, and Richard A. (Rick) Frederick, Associate in Ministry, was installed as a Director of Christian Education and Youth Ministry (DCYM) October 1, 1989. He resigned on November 17, 1994 to accept a DCYM position with First Lutheran (ELCA), Greensboro, NC.
Another important part of Redeemer’s life has been its music program. With the arrival of the Wicks Pipe Organ in April 1968, Rachel (Mills) Young became our first church organist, followed by Patricia Riddle. Edna Corley served many times as interim organist. Joan Kiser was hired as organist in January 1979 and continued a long and dedicated service through September 1997. She extended her knowledge and expertise to extensive research for an organ appropriate to the acoustics and size of our sanctuary. The addition of a 15 rank Fritzsche pipe organ with the new sanctuary in 1979 was a significant development allowing for better use of the potential musical talent of the congregation. From the beginning, the music program was ably led and directed by members of the congregation. Latta Johnston was choir director from 1968 to 1972, followed by Jean Cook. However, with the 1983 resignation of Jean Cook after many years of dedicated service, the decision was made to go outside the congregation for an adult choir director. A search committee was appointed, and in September of 1983 Phillip Jenkins was hired to that position. Over the years his responsibilities have increased, and he is Music Coordinator for Redeemer’s music program. Children have participated in the music program through the Praise, Alleluia and Celebrate choirs, all of which were directed by dedicated volunteers.
In March of 1990, expansion again became a priority item. The following were appointed to the building committee: Skip Alexander, Martha Allison, Jim Epting, Co-Chairman, John Freeman, Marion Frick, Jim Kiser, Walter McKinney, Co-Chairman, and David Peek. Pastors Amundson and Stirewalt, were automatically on the committee. A letter was sent to all members requesting input for needs of the various areas. The building committee did considerable research prior to entertaining several architectural bids. Architects Boudreaux, Hulstrand and Carter were given the design contract. Basic compensation for Schematic Design Phase was the stipulated sum of $9,500.00, which was deducted from the final cost after construction; total compensation for Basic Services, was to be between 7-1/2% and 8% of total construction cost. A new administrative wing was added, and the existing educational area was redesigned and expanded, including a new sacristy. There was an overwhelming congregational interest in the construction of a new sanctuary, as well as the educational and administrative wings. However, final cost calculations made that addition prohibitive at that time. Ideal Construction Company was low bid and was given the building contract for a total of $668,781. Resource Services, Inc. out of Dallas, was contracted to conduct a capital funds campaign. A 3-year capital funds campaign was launched on March 29,1992, with a Faith+Vision+Ministry Banquet at Nursery Road School. As of May 1, 1992 the Faith+Vision+Ministry campaign received pledges totalling $763,000 for a three-year period. Groundbreaking services were held Sunday, November 15, 1992. The new administrative offices were occupied in the spring of 1993. The educational area remodeling and expansion was completed the fall of 1993, and the Service of Dedication for both new and remodeled facilities was held December 5, 1993.
Costs of 1992/1994 Building Project: Defined:
New Construction, renovations, alternate adds $ 668,781
Professional Fees 93,000
Additional Work to Existing Roof 74,000
Site Work 60,000
New Furnishings 40,000
* Contingency Fund 50,000
Total Projected Costs $ 985,781
* To cover unforeseen “change orders†which are often necessary in a building program which includes renovation work. (Not normally completely expensed).
Financing for the building project was awarded to First Citizens Bank, as per their low bid, including refinancing of the existing mortgage of approximately $275,000.
Pastor Amundson resigned as Redeemer’s Senior Pastor effective August 8, 1996, to accept the position as Assistant to the Bishop of the South Carolina Synod of the ELCA. The period of Pastor Amundson's tenure, from 1973 through August 1996, was one in which the congregation saw growth and expansion in membership, facilities, and programming. All three of these areas reflect both the rapid changes that have occurred in the Irmo/St. Andrews area, and Redeemer’s attempt to meet the needs of a changing community.
The Rev. Walter Shealy was appointed by church council to serve as interim senior pastor, and served from September 1996 through June 1997.
The seven members elected by the congregation in October 1996 to the Call Committee were: Martha Allison, Chairperson, Tim Campbell, Cornelia Collins, Pam Davis, Sarah Reidenbach, Wally Schultz, and Elise Tyndall (youth representative). On May 18, 1997, the congregation voted to extend a call to the Rev. Gregory C. Moore, of St. John Lutheran Church, Findlay, Ohio. Pastor Moore accepted the call effective August 1, 1997.
Early in 1998 attention was focused on the need to fill the vacancy of associate pastor. On May 17, 1998 the congregation elected seven members to the Call Committee: Glenda George, Chairperson, Eddie Carter, Jay Epting, Bill Harmon, Joan Splittgerber, Eric Wells, and Jennifer Haynesworth (youth representative). On August 16, 1998, the congregation voted to extend a call to the Rev. Douglas E. Graul of Mt. Olivet, Chapin/Mt. Herman, Peak parishes to become associate pastor of Redeemer. Pastor Graul accepted the call effective September 27, 1998.
Many individuals and families have contributed greatly to the growth of Redeemer. Some have found it necessary to move because of their vocations. Many are still with us. But each life (the names of which are too numerous to list), which has touched Redeemer’s growth, is an intricate and very important part of today's Redeemer Lutheran Church, a congregation whose mission is to “Make Christ Known To All In Word and Deedâ€.
