St. Luke Historical Information:

The ELCA purchased 34 acres in Cordova, just east of Memphis, TN.  In November 1982 Pastor David Hood was selected as pastor/developer and began service in Cordova, TN.  Pastor Hood began by visiting fifty-nine potential member/families and chose “St. Luke”, the physician/disciple, as the congregation’s namesake.  The first worship service was held on Pentecost (May 22, 1983) in Auburndale Grade School gym with ninety-eight people in attendance.  On October 10, 1983, St. Luke became a chartered congregation.  Sixteen of the original charter members remain at St. Luke today.  New Years Day 1987 St. Luke gave its thanks to the synod and became self-supporting.  St. Luke’s continued expansion led to the “Expect a Miracle” campaign to erect a church home.  All the members pulled a plow at the groundbreaking ceremony on April 26, 1987.  The first worship service in the new building was held on December 20, 1987.  Pastor Hood left St. Luke in 1992 to join the Southeastern Synod staff.

Pastor Rodney Hansen came out of retirement in Minnesota and served as interim pastor at St. Luke from April 1992 to December 1992.  Pastor Duane Salness was called to St. Luke in February 1993.  With continued growth, St. Luke entered the “By Faith We Grow” building campaign.  In April 1995 we began the planning of a north wing.  Completed in January 1996 the wing added five Sunday school rooms, 2,500 sq. feet of fellowship space and a commercial kitchen.  In April 1997 Pastor Sherry Teves was called as Associate Pastor to serve with a focus on Youth and Christian Education.  Pastor Salness served St. Luke until September 1998 when he returned to his native Minnesota.  Although Pastor Teves had a co-terminus call, she remained at St. Luke until August 1999 when she elected to seek another call prior to the implementation of St. Luke’s 2000 program year.

The Rev. Dr. Janice Mynchenberg was called to St. Luke in December 1998 as the interim pastor.  A main focus for her ministry was to provide a healing environment during our time of transition. 

Construction date of church building:

The original structure was completed in late 1987 with much of the labor performed by the members of St. Luke.  Our most recent construction was completed in early 1996 with the addition of 10,000 square feet bringing the total square footage to 30,000 square feet.