News & Events of St. Stephen

On June 16, 1954, the Rev. John H. Schumell of the Board of American Missions, United Lutheran Church, began a survey of the Sunrise Park Area in the interest of forming a Lutheran congregation. The first worship service was conducted on September 19, 1954, in the Gall School with one hundred thirty-six adults in attendance. Sunday School began October 10, 1954, with seventy pupils and a staff of fourteen teachers.

The Rev. Paul Dumke was called as Pastor of the congregation in January 1958. During the years of 1958, 1959, 1960, and 1961, a debt retirement and building fund program was conducted. The ground breaking service was held on July 23, 1961. The cornerstone of the first unit was laid on January 14, 1962. The building was dedicated to the glory and honor of almighty God and to the service of His Holy Church on April 1, 1962. Early in 1964 a new parsonage was built at 3518 Jerry Street and dedicated on April 19, 1964.

The Rev. Luther J. Olson was called as Pastor in April 1967. On June 20, 1971, we burned the mortgage of our first unit. The ground-breaking service for the present Sanctuary was held on June 4, 1972, and the service of dedication was held on March 4, 1973. Palm Sunday, April 3, 1977, saw the dedication of our seven and one half rank Hunt Organ. This day culminated several years of effort by the membership of St. Stephen.

The Rev. Daniel C. Brumm was called as Pastor in April 1978. On Sunday, April 13, 1980, the Twenty-fifth Anniversary of St. Stephen was celebrated. Each of the four Pastors that has served St. Stephen participated in the service. On August 6, 1982, ground was broken for an educational-fellowship addition, which would almost double the space available for ministry.

In February of 1991, Pastor Phillip Boe accepted the call to become Associate Pastor. In 1991, the Neighbor Helping Neighbor Clothing Store was opened in the Youth Building. In 1992 The Cruisers, a 50's and 60's rock band added to the mix of musical groups at St. Stephen reaching out into the community. In April of 1993, the Fools for Christ led worship on Maundy Thursday. For the past thirteen years their Holy Week services and Living Nativity have been a part of the St. Stephen tradition.

In June of 1993, Pastor James Woodruff accepted the Call to become Associate Pastor. In June of 1994, the Associate Pastor became a full-time position. In 1996, Pastor Jim and Pastor Dan became co-pastors. In 1997, the renovation of the Youth Center was completed and a second Sunday School was begun.

In 2001, fifteen members of the congregation took a three-week mission trip to Tanzania and formed a partnership relationship between St. Stephen and Lukani Parish. In 2002, a hand bell choir was established through the generosity of a member of the congregation. In 2003, a sanctuary stained glass project was begun. It is anticipated that the project will be completed early in 2006. In 2004, a fourth service, on Wednesday evening, was added. Also during 2004, the congregation supported the resettlement of fourteen members of the Vang family from Southeast Asia.

Today's membership consists of eleven hundred and forty-six baptized and eight hundred fifty-three confirmed members. The Sunday School has an enrollment of over one hundred. St. Stephen is the result of the sacrifice and labor of many people. We thank God for giving us the guidance and strength to continue this Church to the Glory of His Name.

• Norm Belland
• Phil Berge
• Joel Bexell
• Dwight DoBell
• John Dumke

• Mark Dumke
• Jim Kittleson
• John Kroschel
• Walt Leitze
• Paul Magellsen

• Steve Olson
• Mary Ronning
• Clarence Schaffner
• Marilyn Thurber
• Scott Tunseth

• Jason Wahlstrom
• Linda Wahlstrom
• Carol Weist
• Pete Weist
• Gail (Mooney) Zoya