Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (Salem, Or.)

On December 3, 1950, Rev. Homer Berner led the first worship service for a group in south Salem. The organizational service for Good Shepherd was held at St. Mark Lutheran on April 22, 1951. A month later the charter had 88 names. Temporary quarters proved insufficient and on September 11, 1955 the first unit, consisting of a chapel and nine classrooms, was dedicated. Five years later a parsonage was built. The growth of the city of Salem followed a pattern other than anticipated. It became apparent that a different location would prove advantageous. Under Pastor Eller’s leadership the original property was purchased on Oak Hill. In June of 1964 a new church was dedicated. An organ was added in 1979, and by 1985 all indebtedness was fully paid.