Reliable Leadership Rooted in History

The Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd was established on February 4, 1953, sparked by Mrs. Irene Hutzler trying to provide worship services in the Palos community. Palos East School was the location for the first Worship Services until the dedication of the original church building in 1956. The first Pastor, Rev. Dr. Harry Huxhold, served faithfully until he was succeeded by Rev. Victor L. Brandt in 1960.

A significant turning point in the life of our vibrant church family took place in the mid-’70s. In response to the controversies within the Missouri Synod, in November of 1976, the decision was made to become a charter congregation of the English Synod of the Association of Evangelical Lutheran Churches. At the time, the first two Pastors were elected vice presidents in the new Synod. Pastor Brandt would later become Bishop. This new association would lead the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in January of 1988, bringing together more than 5.3 million American Lutherans represented by 11,000 congregations.

We took another new step in 1977 by calling an Associate Pastor to work with Pastor Brandt in expanding the congregation’s ministry. Wayne A. Basch, soon graduating from Concordia Seminary in Exile, was appointed in February and ordained in May. In 1978 attention was given to the enlargement of the facilities and vital expansion. This $475,000 program demonstrated that the 25-year-old congregation was on the threshold of an enlarging ministry in the name of Christ. Bishop Brandt retired in 1986, and Pastor Basch then became Senior Pastor.

In 2001,Good Shepherd broke ground on a $3 million dollar project to build a new sanctuary and remodel our Sunday School and music space. The faithfulness, love, and generosity from the support of our church family enabled this project to be completed debt-free on March 17, 2002. In 2016, we began a new chapter with the calling of Rev. Chris Buresh as Associate Pastor. Pastor Basch soon after retired in the summer of 2018. We appointed Pastor Buresh as Senior Pastor and in 2021 appointed Rev. Andrew Bell as Associate Pastor.

For over 65 years, blessings have come from dedicated leaders and members who contribute their talents and gifts. Each has touched the lives of our congregation, and we have much gratitude. As we look ahead from our proud past with the support of God’s unique love, we’re filled with hope and excitement about the possibilities for the future.