The long awaited opening of Area 38 was on October 25, 2009.
You're now in on the ground floor of one of the most exciting new projects that Redeemer has undertaken!In the fall of 2009, Redeemer will be starting a new era in outreach!
• Imagine a place where new-world technology meets old-world charm...
• A place you can learn about God and his plan for you, in a casual, relaxed atmosphere...
• A place where you can get answers to your questions without feeling like an outsider...
• A place
where you can hang with your friends...
• A place where you are always welcome...
If you're looking for a place like that...
then you've come to the right place!
In the Beginning...
On May 21, 1931, a group of men met with the representatives of the Northern
Illinois District of the Missouri Synod at a school-house on Broadway and 26th St.
for the purpose of organizing a Lutheran congregationin the eastern part of the city of Rockford, Illinois. The men chose the name "Redeemer" and rented a hall on 3rd Ave.to hold sevices that were conducted for the first time on Pentecost Sunday, May 24, 1931, where 95 people attended.
A building fund was established in 1933, but due to the economic conditions of the time, the land could not be purchased until September 1936 with help from the Northern Illinois District. A ground-breaking ceremony was held on Sunday, March 7, 1938, and the corner-stone was laid on May 22, 1938, seven years and one day after the organization was first founded.
The building was used for worship until the church added on the current sanctuary
in 1951. The original building was then used for overflow seating. Eventually a
drop-ceiling and walls were added dividing the space for storage and office space. No longer an area of worship.
Until Now...71 years later...We're Baaack!
What Goes
on at
Redeemer?
The original
Redeemer Lutheran Church. The sanctuary as seen when it was first
built in 1938.
The original church
as it appears present day.
The former sanctuary
now used for storage
and office space.
Proposed floorplan of
Area 38. Area 38 has been designed to reach out to current and future generations.
Mike Mast from the Northern Illinois District takes a swing at our "Wall Breaking" ceremony on Sunday, July 19, 2009. A $25,000 grant check was presented to Redeemer for the project.
Redeemer's youth also had an opportunity to have a go at the wall during the ceremony.
Walls are removed and the floors have been refinished and brought back to their original beauty!
The Past
n Original Sanctuary in 1938 (looking toward the altar)
Original Sanctuary in 1938 (looking out from the altar)
The Present
Original Sanctuary in 2008 (looking toward the former altar)
Original Sanctuary in 2008 (looking out from the former altar)
The Future
Future Area 38, 2009 (looking out from the former altar)
What's New!
Here We Go!
We'll be posting photos and information of Area 38's progress, so stop back to see how we're doing! If you have any questions or comments you can transport them to: area38.redeemer@sbcglobal.net
Oh...Yea...
Almost forgot...we can use your help.
Really.
With the economy in a tailspin we know that donating money to any cause can become difficult. All we ask is that you prayerfully consider donating to ours. Even if it's a few dollars...every dollar DOES count. Plus, you will know that you are a part of history, and more importantly...someones future.
If would like to donate to Area 38, please make a check out to Redeemer Lutheran Church, and make sure you tell us that it is for Area 38. Transport it to: 827 16th Street Rockford, Il 61104.
