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In May of 1858, Minnesota became the 32nd state to enter the United States, with Stillwater adopting the title “Birthplace of Minnesota.” That same year, a small group of Norwegian immigrants planted a Lutheran congregation in Stillwater as well. Founded as The Norwegian Church of Stillwater, the church was served by a pastor who also preached at congregations in Hudson, Wisconsin and Bayport, Minnesota. Worship was held in homes, lessons were often taught by the members who comprised the church. That is an important part of our history because it helped establish a congregation with a deep sense of lay leadership. Pastors are deeply respected here, but the church belongs to the people of God, and that premise has bolstered a strong, healthy and faithful congregation for more than 150 years.

In the late 1800’s, members of the now-named Our Savior’s Lutheran Church built their first sanctuary on 6th Street in Stillwater. The building, along with its original outhouse, still stands halfway down the Myrtle Street hill in Stillwater. The current site of 11 acres on Olive Street was transferred to the church in 1960. Though times were hard and the membership small, the decision was made to build a new church here. Construction was complete in 1961, with major additions in 1988 and 2003. Our current facility fills 30,000 square feet, and a formal 600 seat sanctuary is awaiting the financial ability of the congregation to move forward.

With this humble history then, one recognizes the significance of the purpose statement that was adopted by Our Savior’s in 2001:

Grounded in faith, gathered in love, and sent with a purpose; So that others may gain the Kingdom!

That our common ground is belief in the fact that forgiveness and life are found in our faith in Jesus Christ. It’s not about the good things we do, or the bad things we do, but in the great thing that Christ did on the cross.

We don’t always agree with one another, but we are committed to love one another as family. Regardless of race, age, gender, economic status or academic achievement, we are sisters and brothers.

We do not see our primary task as taking place in the church building, but outside it. We seek to live our faith in word and deed, knowing that we might be the only sermon some people ever see.

Ultimately, we do not seek to grow our congregation, but to expand the Kingdom of God!

We welcome you to join us!