Our Story – The Beginning

In July 1965, the Lutheran Council of the United States of America determined a need for a church in the Chicagoland area. Based on growth potential, open land accessibility, schools, and housing; this area was recommended.

On December 14, 1966, a letter was sent by a resident, Mrs. Jacobson, requesting a church in the area. Pastor Norman Orth, Regional Director of the Great Lakes Region for the Lutheran Council, set about forming our church.

The American Lutheran Church purchased this land on March 3, 1969 in order to establish a mission congregation. A total of 16 acres were purchased along highway 53 in a new suburb called Bolingbrook. Of that, 4.7 acres were designated for the church and parsonage. The remaining land was then sold by the Lutheran Council for $5000 per acre!

New Life’s name was chosen because of the growth and new life springing up in the corn fields that surrounded the church. Mission Directorate Norman Orth’s wife suggested the name.

Coming up next…arrival of Pastor Orlyn Huwe and family