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The formative years and first church building
In 1961, Pastor Arthur Knudsen was
called to establish a congregation in the Barrington area by the American Lutheran Church
(ALC). He knocked on doors and found families interested in starting a
Lutheran church. Five men founded this congregation along with their
families.
In 1962 the 5 acre site, our present
location, was purchased by the ALC to build the first building. Ten
mission congregations were to be started by the ALC and all in 1961, all to
have Atonement in their name. In 1962, the congregation bought a
parsonage on Kainer Avenue. The original
building was built in 1961 and is currently referred to as the Knudsen Center. On
Easter Sunday, April 22, 1962 the Lutheran Church of the Atonement had
its first services in the new building. One week later, the first baby
was baptized.
In 1963, the Lutheran Church of the Atonement paid off its loan to
the ALC.
Atonement adds administration and education wing
A second building was added in1964. It was referred to as the Administrative/Education
building and currently is home for several classrooms and other facilities for Atonement Christian Day School. The two-level education wing was built with co-signing and
financial assistance from Trinity in Evanston. The
upper level was devoted to a fellowship hall and the lower level was devoted to
Sunday school.
In 1972, the sanctuary was renovated to
create a center aisle with a center doorway. Previously there were two
side doors that precluded a casket being brought into the sanctuary and the
father of bride and bride entering the sanctuary together.
In 1975, Pastor Knudsen retired and
Pastor Marc Gravdahl came to the congregation. He had been a
member of Atonement and had preached and led services many times.
New worship space built
In 1981, the new sanctuary was
completed and dedicated. The lower level included a kitchen, fellowship
space, stage, and storage space.
In 1983, Linda Lee Nelson was named as the Assistant
Pastor.
In 1987, Pastor Said Aliabouni was
installed as Co-Pastor by the congregation.
In January 1988, Randy Thompson was
installed. His responsibility was to focus on youth ministry.
In 1989 the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) was established in a
merger with the Lutheran Church in America (LCA), the Association
Evangelical Lutheran Churches (AELC) and the American Lutheran Church
(ALC). Atonement became a member of the new ELCA.
In 1993, LOGOS, a mid-week educational
program for youth and children began. The congregation also approved
establishment of Atonement Christian Day School.
In November 1995, Pastor Pam Challis
was installed as Associate Pastor for Education and Outreach. Atonement Christian Day School opened September 1995.
In 1998, Julie Thomson was called as
Associate in Ministry. Said Ailabouni resigned to accept a call issued by
the ELCA to become the Director Of Global Missions Programs in the Mid-East, Eastern Europe, and Africa.
Our ministry, staff and building grow to serve the community
Pastor Don Wink was installed as the
Senior Pastor in January 1999.
Pastor Will Wagner hired as Minister of
Caring Ministries in August 2000.
Pastor Jane Kunzie-Brunner was
installed as Pastor of Youth and Family Ministries in June 2002.
Mary Williams and Ann Pride became the
Outreach and Community Formation in May 2005.
Pastor Paul VanDeberg and Pastor Sara
VanDeberg were installed as Associate Pastors in November 2007.
In 2010, Atonement completes phase I of a construction plan to increase parking, greatly increase the size and flexibility of the entry/gathering space, add classroom space, new music rooms and new work space for staff and volunteers. Additionally, former administrative offices were converted to classrooms and resource areas for the day school.
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