Good Shepherd Lutheran Church As Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in the Forest Acres neighborhood prepares to celebrate its 60th birthday next year, it has celebrated early by paying off all of the outstanding debt on its buildings.

"The retirement of the current debt is a milestone in the life of Good Shepherd," said Pastor Larry Long. "It is with gratitude to the many who have been faithful and have contributed over the years, that we were able to burn the mortgage on the buildings." The early retirement of the debt was made possible in part by a large contribution by a member of the congregation.

Bishop Herman R. Yoos visited the church on July 19 for the Debt Retirement Reception, the tradition of burning of the mortgage and Holy Communion.

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church was organized February 5, 1950, with 65 charter members. The Reverend Harold E. Park, who had served as mission developer, was called as first pastor and served in that capacity until August 31, 1958. The first formal worship service of the group was held in September, 1949, in the Carolina Children's Home. Services continued to be held there until the property on Forest Drive was secured. Assisted by the Missions Board of the Synod, Good Shepherd congregation began constructing its first church building in 1955.

On August 4, 1991, the Groundbreaking Service was held for a new sanctuary and work began on the new worship building with educational/ music facilities, a new parking lot, and renovation to the existing sanctuary into administrative offices and meditation chapel. On September 13, 1992, Dedication Day and Homecoming Day were both celebrated with worship in the new sanctuary.

Today, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church is a growing congregation of more than 1,000 with church activities for all age groups including youth programs, senior citizen programs, Lutheran Men, Women of the ELCA, an innovative education program for all ages, including a music program for children, and a social ministry program responsive to the needs in the congregation and community.