A HISTORY OF BLESSINGS

Spring 1973
Members of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church started a mission congregation in South Tempe. Worship services were held at Marcos de Niza High School.

June 1974
The name Gethsemane Evangelical Lutheran Church was chosen.

October 1974
Charter Sunday was held October 6 with 103 names signing the constitution.

November 1976
Groundbreaking ceremony was held for the multipurpose facility that would serve as the initial Sanctuary. Pastor David Pardieck was installed as Mission Pastor.

August 1978
The church purchased a building and established a school. Darrel Just was installed as Administrator of Gethsemane Lutheran School.

1981
Gethsemane paid its loan and came off of mission status. Pastor David Pardieck, as Senior Pastor, and Pastor George Schuster, as a part-time Evangelism Pastor, were called and formally installed.

October 1994
Gethsemane celebrated its 20th Anniversary with a joyful service, dinner and remodeling of the Sanctuary.

August 1997
Pastor Pardieck retired. Pastor John Krueger was called and installed as Senior Pastor.

Summer 2000
Wendell Robson was installed as Administrator of Gethsemane Lutheran School.

September 2002
Groundbreaking ceremony was held for the new Family Life Center on September 8.

October 2003
Dedication and move into the new Family Life Center.

October 2006
Initiated the Powered by the Son capital campaign for the new Worship Center and enhancement of our School.