Our History
St. Stephen's Lutheran Church was incorporated in May 1964 with 40 members signing the charter under the spiritual leadership of mission developer, Pastor Rudolf Johnson. Pastor Johnson had conducted the first church service nearly a year earlier at the community swimming pool in Park Village. The congregation also met at the El Dorado Hills Fire Station and later with their first pastor, Pastor Carl Schneider, at the then community center in Governors Village. Sunday School classes were held in private homes. In early 1965, the Pacific Southwest Synod purchased a parsonage in Park Village and 4.5 acres at the current site, and plans to begin construction of the church complex. The large cross at the front of the church was erected for dedication in March of that year.
Despite cutbacks in the aerospace industry, which affected community and church growth, the sanctuary was completed and dedicated in October 1968, with the leadership of Pastor John Olson. Church life began to grow and expand. The church sponsored the first community newsletter and formed and senior citizen group and the Newcomers' club. The church also opened its doors to organizations such as Alcoholics Anonymous, a cooperative preschool, Camp Fire Girls, and Girl Scouts. The church sponsored Boy Scout Troop 454 and continues sponsoring them today. The Greg Robinette Park, and Eagle Scout and God and Country Project, was completed with the help of scouts and members and friends of the church.
A period of sustained growth continued after Pastor Roger Lee came to St. Stephen's in 1971. The Youth Group was formed and the first youth was elected to the church council. The Lutheran Church Women, now called the Women's Group, was also organized. In 1976, during Pastor Dale Johnson's ministry, construction began on the Educational/Fellowship Hall. The Hall, built by church members, was completed and dedicated in October 1980 during Pastor Ken Peterson's tenure. The new building made it possible for the church to sponsor the St. Stephen's Day Care, which today serves as preschool and day care for 36 children, age 2 to 6. During the period, the congregation doubled in size and in 1984, became independent of support from the Board of American Missions.
Rapid growth continued during Pastor William Buch's service, beginning in 1985. Worship and Sunday School attendance increased and the sanctuary was expanded for additional seating. New pews were purchased to replace the first pews donated by St. John's from their original sanctuary. Donors to St. Stephen's have been many. Mrs. Bertha Wolverton donated the first organ in memory of her mother, Mrs. Mabel Joeger, a member of the church, owned a cattle ranch which included most of what is now El Dorado Hills. Since then, two other organs have been donated, and in 1994 a new organ was purchased with donations. St. Stephen's has always been blessed with a talented church family, including musicians, teachers, council and committee members, office personnel, building and grounds maintenance workers, and a multitude of God's volunteers. St. Stephen's has also been fortunate to have had exceptional interim pastors during its 30 yrs. The late Pastor Ragnar Kastman served on three occasions and Pastor Vern Stenberg provided loving and skillful leadership from 1990 to 1993. Pastor Stenberg continued his membership until he died in November 2002. The congregation is also fortunate to have former Namibian missionary Pastor David Preisinger as a member. In 1994, Pastor Mark Winter was installed, and under his leadership there was a growth in membership to 500 plus members. Pastor Ron Hovick accepted the call and was installed in 2000. There is a new vitality and excitement to "Come Home to St. Stephen's - To Come Share the Spirit."