About Spirit of Christ Community Lutheran Church

History of Spirit of Christ Church

Two Lutheran churches with fascinating histories in the thriving Minneapolis suburb of St. Louis Park came together as one on July 26, 2009. Ascension members officially moved to join their brothers and sisters at the former First Lutheran structure on Minnetonka Boulevard.  Certificate of Incorporation papers were signed that day, creating the new congregation and its new name, Spirit of Christ Community Lutheran Church. Eight elected trustees from the two congregations were approved at that signing, creating the new SOC Church Council.  Renee Compo, Cindy Guddal, Jim Krogh, Dave Latvala, Steve Nordahl, Sheryl Pearson, Joanne Stone and Jeanne Worm made up the governing unit, with Joanne named president and Jeanne, secretary.  Carolee Berge Cohen and Mark J. Cohen were designated as witnesses to the proceedings on that historic day.

Pastor Durk Thompson joined SOC in 2017, and also serves Grace Lutheran Church in Bloomington. Nikki Christensen is the administrator for both churches.

First Lutheran Church, established in 1924, was the first Lutheran congregation in St. Louis Park to formally organize and incorporate, and the first to build a permanent building to be dedicated.  And for a quarter-century, Augsburg College Professor Rev. Wilhelm Pettersen served as First Lutheran’s acting pastor when it organized in 1924. He later moved to Maine, where he was voted that state’s poet laureate!

The ministry that ultimately became Ascension was known as the North Side Sunday School Union, the North Side Community Church, the North Side Lutheran Church, and Westwood Lutheran Church!  And to prevent members from leaving Westwood, the Ascension building was not allowed to be reopened for a full year!  But a congregation to serve this neighborhood would not be denied, and on Sept. 1, 1956, the building reopened as Ascension, with Rev. Orin Thompson serving as “mission” pastor.

The beautiful SOC 10th anniversary banner, which was on display in the sanctuary in 2019, was created by Lowell and Linda Brandt. Of the banner, they said, “Some have asked about the meaning of the circle in the anniversary banner. Because the circle is a symbol, it can be understood in a variety of ways. However, we found it to be a helpful way to represent the ‘circle of friends’ we have at Spirit of Christ. At one time, women’s Bible study groups in the church were even called Circles. The Spirit (flames) encourages us to reach out in love beyond our immediate circle of friends here at Spirit of Christ.” (Compiled by Bruce Lindquist)