History

Our Savior’s started as a mission congregation when in 1966, the American Lutheran Church had a vision for a mission congregation on Owatonna’s northeast side. At the same time, Pastor Helgesen at the Our Savior’s congregation on Rose Street asked the congregation if it would consider dissolving the existing church and joining the mission on St. Paul Road.  The congregation jumped in with both feet to the vision of what would be named Our Savior's Lutheran Church, supporting not only with their money and assets, but also their time and talents.  

The cornerstone was laid on July 9, 1967, and the Rev. Thomas Lee officiated the first worship service on August 27, 1967.  Pastor Tom Lee was called as Our Savior’s first pastor on December 10, 1967.  Our Savior’s quickly grew as people on the northeast side of Owatonna began to join its ministry. An education wing was added and dedicated on December 15, 1968.  The congregation continued to grow. Soon there was a new Sanctuary with Easter Sunday celebrating the first service in April, 1995. 

Since then, God has continued leading us in our mission on the northeast side as well as bridging ministries to the greater Owatonna community. Our mission statement says, “Together Building a Caring Community in Christ.” With a membership of nearly 1000 members, Our Savior’s has a thriving program ministry with worship, music ministry, and education for children, youth and adults. To meet needs in our community we’ve partnered with the Migrant Head Start program for more than 15 years. We host multiple groups for our community such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, widowed persons support groups, Parkinson’s groups, immigrant Somali and Sudanese programs, Girl and Boy Scouts, parenting support groups, and many others.