The English Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Redeemer was organized May 20, 1906 and was the first church in Montana to conduct services in the English language. Two adjoining small frame houses were purchased-one was used for worship, the other became a parsonage. In 1908, F. W. Klingensmith made two trips to the east to raise money for the new church and for Home Missions in Montana. The stained glass windows were donated by people he contacted on these trips. Services were held September 8, 1908.
Services were begun in Gardiner and Yellowstone Park in the early 1920s. Lutherans in these areas were received as members of the congregation. Home Mission aid was frequently needed by the struggling congregation, but by 1926 the debt had been reduced and evening services were extended to Columbus. In the late 1960s, financial difficulties forced the congregation to form a partnership with Shield’s River Lutheran Church (ALC) in nearby Wilsall, whereby one pastor served both congregations. Calls were alternated between the ALC and LCA Synods. This arrangement ended in 1980, when Redeemer was again able to support its own pastor.
In 1981, the congregants of Redeemer Lutheran, American Lutheran, and Shield’s River Lutheran formed an alliance called Trinity Lutheran Parish. The three churches share the salaries of two pastors and support staff expenses, making for greater financial efficiency.
From the guide to the Redeemer Lutheran Church, Livingston, Montana, Records, 1906-2012, (Pacific Lutheran University)
