A Brief History of Divine Redeemer

1972  First organizational meeting and worship service in the basement of Hartland National Bank with a group of 50 people.

1978  Purchased land at 31385 W. Hill Road and had ground breaking for new church.

1980  Moved into new church with a new pastor...Allan Jahneke.  The building was dedicated July 27, 1980. Pastor Jahneke arrived November 1980.

1986  The first educational wing for a Day School was erected by 6 men and the Pastor in January on a –27 degree day.

1987  Purchased more land to the east with the vision for athletic fields and continued facility expansion.

1989  Another educational expansion took place for a growing Day School led by Mr. Curt Adams.

1990  Internal remodeling of new facility to make additional classrooms for the growing Day School.  Even the church sanctuary was used as a classroom!

1990  Plans were made to establish a daughter congregation in Pewaukee. Ten acres of land was purchased on Hwy. J near Hwy. 16.  Worship services began in a bank basement.

1991   “Shepherd of the Hills” Lutheran Church was planned and built.  An additional wing was constructed to the west of the sanctuary for new offices, a fellowship hall, and an Early. More land to the east was purchased.

1994  Plans were implemented for the expansion of Divine Redeemer’s Fellowship Hall and the creation of a Day Care Center.

1995  Plans were developed for the continued expansion of the Day School as the congregation planned for a new organization structure for ministry. The “Have the Vision, Share the Faith” campaign is initiated.

1997 A gymnasium, cafeteria and more classrooms were constructed. The purpose oriented ministry structure was implemented.

1998 The Gymnasium, cafeteria, and classrooms were dedicated as plans were drafted for an additional 26,000 sq. ft. to include classrooms, the Multi-Media room, library, science labs, art rooms, and physical fitness room. The campaign “For all God’s Children Maturing in His Mission begins.

1999  New addition was dedicated with the grade school teaching over 350 students, the congregation numbering over 2000 members worshipping over 1000 people each weekend, and Country Lutheran High School begins with 5 students.

2000  Plans are drafted for expansion of cafeteria and remodeling takes place in the first wing addition for the nursery, bookstore, full-day kindergarten and more offices.

2000  A dynamic, growing and serving congregation of over 2000 members worshipping close to 1000 people each week.

2001 Cafeteria expansion and kitchen remodeling completed to accommodate growth.

2002 Trailers are used for classrooms as Lake Country Lutheran High School grows to over 100 students.

2003  Plans begin to develop for the creation of a new worship facility.

2004 Lake Country Lutheran High School leaves Divine Redeemer to lease YMCA facility in Oconomowoc. Plans are to build on 70 acres to the Northeast of Hwy 16 and 83. Plans continue to develop for the expansion of Divine Redeemer with a new worship facility.  A campaign is initiated called “Pathway to Power”.

2005 Final plans for a new Worship Center and Fellowship area named “The Pastor Elmer E. Scheck Fellowship Center for Ministry and Outreach” are presented to congregation as a study is completed concerning the growth and expansion of the Christian Day School.