History of Lutheran Church of the Atonement

In 1958, 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 1961 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 1958 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. 

A second building was added in 1964.  It is currently referred to as the Administrative/Education building.  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. 

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.    

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.