The era of the early 1960s
was an exciting time for Lutherans who, were witnessing the birth
of the American Lutheran Church. Climaxing several years of
activity, this was the merger of three former churches: the
Evangelical Lutheran Church (Norwegian), the American Lutheran
Church (German), and the United Lutheran Church in America
(Danish).
In an effort to share Gods Word
with more people, the newly-formed American Lutheran Church
planned for new mission congregations in each of its districts.
Each of these mission congregations was to be named Atonement to
convey the scriptural basis for our salvation: Christ died for
our sins.
The pastor and church council of
Bethlehem Lutheran Church initiated the application to begin the
Southwest Minnesota District's mission congregation in St. Cloud.
After approval by the American Lutheran Church, 48 family units
from Bethlehem became the core of the new Atonement Lutheran
Church. The building was located on the land purchased earlier by
the former Evangelical Lutheran Church, between 28th and 29th
Avenues North, south of 12th Street.
Atonement's original building plan consisted of three phases.
Phase I, now part of our west wing, housed all of the church's
activities for the first several years. With the dedication of the
Perish Education Unit in 1968, Phase II was realized. Phase III
was completed when the new sanctuary was dedicated in 1979.
By 1988, the need for additional space was very apparent.
Through much planning and prayer a new complex was designed. This
project, completed in 1992, included a music room, a youth room,
education rooms, a large fellowship hall, and a state-of-the-art
kitchen. This addition gave Atonement not only the space it needed
for the fellowship and education of its members, but also the
opportunity to serve the community at large.
We rejoice in God's work here and praise Him for our growth. In 40
years we have grown from 68 household units to 695..
