Following a survey of Hood River County in 1959, the task of organizing a new congregation was assigned to Pastor Ernest Vetter. Seventy-two people attended the first service on February 14, 1960, and the Sunday School began two weeks later. By May a site for the church was purchased, and on September 25, 1960 Our Redeemer was formally organized with 60 adults and 42 children. For the next 15 years the congregation grew and developed its ministry. Ground was broken for a new church in June of 1964. For eight years Our Redeemer and Shepherd of the Hills (Stevenson) were a joint parish. By December of 1974 the congregation became self-supporting. Following a vandalism attack and fire early in 1975, many good things resulted for Our Redeemer. Volunteers and neighboring congregations gave valuable assistance. Attendance soared to record breaking levels. The first full-time pastor since becoming self-supporting was called in 1982. The mortgage was burned in September, 1985.
From the guide to the Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Hood River, Oregon, Records, 1960-2012, (Pacific Lutheran University)
