Good Shepherd Lutheran Church was established on Decorah’s west side on November 24, 1958. In November 1957, when the parcel of land that was to become the spacious church grounds on Iowa Avenue was purchased, it was a sheep pasture. Construction of the original section of the church building, which included the sanctuary, Sunday School rooms, offices, fellowship room, and kitchen, began in the summer and continued into the fall of 1958.
An addition was completed and dedicated on November 20, 1988, the 30th anniversary of the congregation. The addition includes a new, larger sanctuary, narthex, offices, a nursery, sacristy, and restrooms. The original sanctuary became the multipurpose Fellowship Hall and new kitchen. The library, facilities for a preschool, and Sunday School space now occupy the area between the original church building and the addition.
In 2018 and 2019, the sanctuary and education wing underwent a redecoration and renovation. In 2018 the sanctuary was painted, including the ceiling, beams, pews and pastor’s chairs refinished, new carpet installed throughout, and new choir chairs purchased. During the following year, the education wing was renovated with all new spaces constructed which remained inside the original building footprint. In addition, a geothermal/HVAC system was installed for the education wing. Photos of the redecoration/renovation process may be found on the Good Shepherd flickr site.
FIREARMS POLICY
No firearms of any type will be allowed on Good Shepherd Lutheran Church property, with the exception of firearms being carried by law enforcement personnel. Should an individual bring a firearm onto the property, they will be asked to remove that firearm from the property.
Policy established by the Good Shepherd Congregation Council, April 17, 2018
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Good Shepherd is fully accessible to all. 