HISTORY OF GOOD SHEPHERD

Founding

The congregation had its spiritual start in 1961 when a group of concerned Christians recognized the need for a Lutheran church in Gulf Breeze and extended a call to the Reverend LeRoy Beutel in June 1963. Rev. Beutel oversaw final construction. It finished in early September and the congregation held its first service in the new building on September 22, 1963. Fifty-one members attended the first service. Sunday school classes began on September 29 of the same year.

Pastor Beutel completed his pastoral assignment in 1970. The Reverend Robert Cardero began his ministry in June 1970. Pastor Cardero served the congregation until September 1979. Captain Martin J. Doerman, USN, retired, accepted a contract in February 1980 to serve the congregation part time, which he did until 1986. Reverend J. Eugene Kunos accepted the position of acting pastor from 1986 until July 1988. Following Pastor Kunos the Reverend Richard G. Lohmeyer accepted a call as full time pastor, serving from 1988 until 2003.

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New Church

The voters assembly approved a search for new site and the construction of a new building in February 1992. Mr. Alf Barth, architect, designed the new facility. The congregation purchased 14 acres east of Gulf Breeze and held a ground breaking in August 1992. Laborers for Christ arrived on site in November 1994 and began construction. The members of Good Shepherd worked side-by-side with the Laborers to complete construction. The congregation dedicated the new facility on September 24, 1995.

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New School

The first educational facility for the congregation and community opened on August 16, 1998 with the start of the Little Lambs Children’s Academy. Good Shepherd Lutheran School formed in 2014 and presently offers a Christ-centered education to students in grades PK3, VPK, and early elementary education. The congregation dedicated the new educational building in spring 2003.

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Into the Future

As the body of Christ at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church looks forward to the future, we see a wonderful opportunity to bring the message of Christ to this growing and vibrant community. Of course, challenges and obstacles loom ahead as they always have. However, walking in step with Christ the congregation continues to grow, move ahead, and remain faithful to its calling of providing a Christ-centered community for its members and the greater community.

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