"From the Beginning, we knew our MISSION

is GOD'S WORK in Northern Idaho."

     In the spring of 1977, the Lutheran Church in America called Karl Schmidt to be a new mission pastor in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.  Karl began knocking on doors to begin a new church.  The first Sunday congregational assembly was held at Coeur d'Alene Homes on October 2, 1977.  The church was named Lutheran Church of the Master.  As the number of members grew, plans were formed to build on a five acre piece of land in Northwest Coeur d'Alene that had been purchased by the LCA earlier.

     The first building completed on the new property was the simple shell recently dedicated as "Schmidt Hall."  Besides the hall, the space was divided into three rooms and two restrooms.  When the service ended, the whole congregation stacked the chairs and began the "coffee hour."  The first services were held in September 1978.  We became and official congregation of the LCA on December 10, 1978.  Many of the people who worshiped there are still members today.

     As the years rolled on from 1977 toward 1986, the facilities on Ramsey served us well, although growth in numbers pushed toward efforts to resolve space restraints.  A new worship area was proposed in 1986 and the sanctuary was completed the next year.  Again, we settled in an continued sharing Ministry and Mission in the Coeur d'Alene community.

     In 1997, after considerable study and planning,  our third building project began.  As part of a master plan for the site, four classrooms and restrooms were constructed north of the existing plant.  After a fundraising plan was implemented, we began planning out details of our fourth project, "A Place for Grace."  Construction began in 2002, with completion and dedication on  Easter Sunday, 2003.

     In December of 2003, the members and friends of Lutheran Church of the Master celebrated 25 years of Mission and Ministry in Kootenai County.  God has blessed us greatly, with growth in numbers and giving, countless opportunities to minister to our community and around the world, and a vision for the future.  We are excited to move forward in God's Power toward the next 25 years!

Updated 3/9/2005