In December of 1959, the California-Nevada-Hawaii (CNH) District called Pastor August Stahnke to begin work as Missionary at Large for the south Santa Maria area. Lutheran Church of Our Savior held its first service on the Day of Pentecost, May 22, 1960 in the parsonage garage, with thirty-seven people gathered. The church building was dedicated to the glory of God on February 12, 1961.
The 1970's saw the beginning of Weekday School, the beginning of Mission Commitments to District and Synod, the ability to be self-supporting (1975), The Groundbreaking for Have Hall was held on June 5, 1977. Thirty-eight men and five women worked actively in the construction. This new multipurpose unit was dedicated on November 6, 1977. Pastor James Zimmerman served during this time.
Pastor Geistfeldt served LCOS during a time of interim in 1980 and retired Pastor Stahnke did the same for a time in, 1981. Pastor Hilton Schlecht was the next called pastor. During his tenure, the Administration Building was added (1981). A Hand-Chimes group was formed (1984). Youth Minister Bonnie Green joined the staff in 1985, and the LCOS Youth first attended the National Youth Gathering in 1986. In 1987, Have Hall was expanded with the help of Laborers for Christ. 1987 also saw the beginning of Children's Choir.
The late 1980's and the 1990's saw many changes: Pastor James Zielke was Installed as pastor at LCOS on October 16, 1988. Our current Sanctuary was dedicated on June 5, 1995. DCE Peter Librojo was installed on February 14, 1999.
By God's grace, LCOS experienced new beginnings in the year 2000. Pastor Stephen Eckert and his family first joined us for worship on Ash Wednesday (March 8, 2000) and he was Installed as pastor soon after. Upward Bound Preschool began during school-year 2000/2001. Molly Williams was installed as our first Preschool Director on October 29, 2000.
DCE Scott Jonas was called to join the ministry team in 2002. He continued his education and earned a Masters in Family Life Ministry. After serving at LCOS into 2012, he went on to pursue seminary training and was ordained in July of 2014. Deborah Eckert/Maddison began serving as part-time Director of Family Ministry in 2015. Eventually, along with her duties in Family Ministry, she became the part-time Director of Upward Bound Preschool. She served God's people in both roles until June of 2023.
Pastor Stephen Eckert faithfully served us at LCOS for twenty-three years. His last "official" Sunday before retirement was June 25, 2023. He is fondly remembered for his Sunday morning Bible Study sessions and his faithful preaching of God's word.
During this time many inside and outside of LCOS kindly referred to our congregation as "The Friendly Neighborhood Church." This is a community trait that continues to be passed down to the present.
While searching for a new pastor, Allen Steinbeck served as an Intentional interim Pastor from July 1, 2023 until September 30, 2024. He worked side-by-side with the Lord's precious people at LCOS and is fondly remembered for his kind guiding and home made bread.
Our current pastor, Brenden Harrell, was installed October 20th, 2024. He and his family have been graciously welcomed and supported in so many ways by the loving people of LCOS. His wife Katie has been installed as Upward Bound's preschool director on August 18th, 2025. Both are excited to work with the faithful members of LCOS as we look toward a bright future living in the grace of Christ.