Holy Cross Lutheran Church

The Missions Committee of the Colorado District of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod began discussing a mission in northeast Colorado Springs early in 1962. On November 13, 1962, the purchase of property was authorized in northeast Colorado Springs. A 6-½ acre plot, bordered by the Rock Island Railroad track, Murray Blvd., and Constitution Ave. was bought on May 17, 1963. On June 22, 1964, the Board of Directors decided to proceed immediately with plans for the Mission. On February 22, 1965 a call was extended to the Rev. Marvin L. Albers, Pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Green Valley, IL. Pastor Albers accepted this call. In February of 1965, a preliminary site study was conducted. Ground was broken soon thereafter, and construction began in June, 1965.

The parsonage was purchased at 2002 Northglen Drive May 15, 1965. Pastor and Mrs. Albers and family moved to Colorado Springs on May 15, 1965. Pastor Albers was commissioned as Missionary-at Large in Colorado Springs at a special service June 27, 1965.

The first meeting of the group interested in the Mission was held in the basement of Immanuel Lutheran Church June 20, 1965. Interested persons present were Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Oltmann, Mr. and Mrs. Lester Wall, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Zobel, Mr. Al Grunow, Mr. and Mrs. John C. Moak and Sally, Mr. Paul Gerdes, Mrs. Ernie Barcell and Joan, Mr. and Mrs. Ed Knudson, and Pastor Marvin Albers. Temporary officers were elected as follows: Chairman, Paul Gerdes; Secretary, Ed Knudson; and Trustee and Treasurer, Marvin Oltmann.

In a meeting on July 2, 1965, Christian Education was discussed, discussing both the possibilities of using the facilities at Immanuel and Redeemer, and also the possibility of conducting a Week Day School as soon as our own building is completed. It was decided to start worship services on July 18, 1965 at 10:30am. The first service was held in Washington-Irving Junior High School. On July 25, 1965, Chairman Paul Gerdes appointed a Constitution Committee and a Committee to choose a name for the congregation.

The first membership class was conducted on July 28, 1965 at 7:30 in the parsonage. It was decided that all persons desiring to join the new Mission would attend this course. A committee to plan the dedication was made up of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Roesler, Kenneth Miller, and Robert Burnham. It was decided that Pastor Albers should conduct the first series of Stewardship meetings for pledges. The congregation officially accepted the name of Holy Cross Lutheran Church on August 15, 1965. On October 3, 1965, it was decided to buy a used Baldwin Organ from the Miller Music Center for $2,255.00

The Building was completed early in October 1965, with the first Worship service, a communion service, being held there on October 10. Dedication was set for October 24, 1965, with a service in the morning at 10:30 and in the afternoon at 3:00. Those taking part in the morning dedication service were Dr. E. Mundinger, the speaker; and the Reverend Walter Enge of Immanuel Lutheran Church who conducted the rite of dedication. The Reverend Marvin Albers was the officiant. At the door opening service, Mayor Harry Hoth, Mr. F. Lamar Kelsey and a representative of the Hayes Construction Co. were also in attendance. The afternoon service of thanks was conducted by the Reverend Robert Clark, and the preacher was Reverend Edward Busch.

The congregation organized officially and the constitution was approved at a service on December 5, 1965. The following persons were elected into office that day: Elders-Mr. Ernest Barcell, Mr. Paul Roesler, and Mr. Robert Burnham, and Mr. Walter Schumm. Church Council: Don Buss, Les Fortner, Paul Gerdes, Marvin Oltmann, Norman Sherwood, Marvin Bruns, Ed Knudson, Tom Stultz and Robert Wesbecher. Membership stood at 105 at the end of 1965.