A review of the history of Redeemer Lutheran on the occasion of its 75th (diamond) anniversary continues with this 5th article.
After serving since 1969, Pastor Richard Mayerhoff (Redeemer’s 3rd resident pastor) accepted a call to Victoria, Texas and preached his farewell sermon on September 7, 1975. Pastor John Hubertz served the congregation next as its vacancy pastor.
During 1975 and 1976, Redeemer Lutheran became self-supporting and also determined to “go it alone” without Zion Lutheran in Chelsea, Oklahoma in the hope that this would encourage a pastor to accept Redeemer’s call and aid in the congregation’s growth.
In August, 1976 Pastor Rudolf Zwingel accepted the pastoral call, but in August, 1977 the congregation removed him as pastor for teaching false doctrine and for activities that were divisive to the congregation. Several families continued to meet with Pastor Zwingel and established Christ the King Lutheran Church which met in various locations in Claremore. Pastor Zwingel was dismissed by the Christ the King group in 1978. This group continued until May, 1979, but then disbanded. Many of the group returned to Redeemer Lutheran as time passed.
With the strong lay leadership of Don Purkey, Jerry Brasel, Fran Heiman, Huey Schulze, Don Bauer, and Martin Goedecke, Redeemer Lutheran weathered the difficulties of dismissing a pastor and continued the Lord’s kingdom work. The Rev. Steve Hummel of Pryor and Adair, Oklahoma assisted Redeemer Lutheran as vacancy pastor and Ken Pearce served as a lay minister while a new pastor was sought. The Lord God held the people of Redeemer “in His hands” and strengthened their faith through challenging days.
In September, 1978 the congregation extended a pastoral call to the Rev. Albert Quoss. He accepted the call and was installed on December 3, 1978. Pastor Quoss was tasked with healing the wounds of those hurt in the controversy, uniting the factions, and reaching out to the community of Claremore and beyond.
Reflecting on this portion of Redeemer Lutheran’s history makes it evident that “75 Years in God’s Hands” is an appropriate choice for the 75th (diamond) anniversary celebration based on the Isaiah 62:3 promise: You shall be…a royal diadem in the hand of your God.” Such a promise is valid only because of the Lord’s amazing grace toward the people of Redeemer Lutheran.
