Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (Richland, Washington) Records

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church was founded in 1957, and arose out Lutheran services that had previously existed in Richland. During World War II, many Lutheran families went into temporary wartime communities throughout America, with no local churches available. Out of this arose the National Lutheran Council (NLC), acting as a missionary arm to satisfy the needs of various Lutherans throughout America for church services during the war, continuing to maintain services thereafter.

In 1943, construction began on the first plutonium reactors in Hanford, with the NLC sending Pastor Martin Grimshold and Sister Veda Johnson to establish Lutheran services for the 50,000 persons at the temporary community. In 1947, nuclear research reignited in the area, with the temporary community of North Richland, with the NLC again sending workers to aid the 15,000 persons in the trailer community.

From 1947 to 1955, the North Richland community was served by Ann Worcester, with numerous baptisms and confirmations taking place. The temporary community of North Richland was terminated in 1955, and the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church was founded in May 1957 in Richland, arising from the preexistent services. It became affiliated with the Lutheran Church in America (ULCA), with Reverend Ernest Hauge serving as Pastor. His successors were Bjelland, Ranlett,, Hoobing, Stan Gardner and Karen Gardner.

After Karen Gardner left the congregation Pastore Karen & Bob Edwards came as interim pastors. Their approach was seen by some to be very different than the previous pastor of 25 years, and a vote to remove them failed. This resulted in many members leaving the church. They received a call, and left the congregation shortly after this. Ron Moen came to replace them, and under his leadership the congregation voted to close June 2005.