History of Our Shepherd Lutheran Christian Day School in Avon, IN

As the school grew, there was the need for more classrooms. Groundbreaking for the new Education Addition was held on May 18, 1997.

James Landskroener was installed as Our Shepherd’s second principal on August 20, 2000. In May 2001, Our Shepherd graduated its first 8th grade class.

Since that time Our Shepherd has continued to grow. Nancy Hebel was installed as Interim Principal in August, 2008 and accepted the call to become the Principal in June, 2009. She leads a staff of nine full-time and four part-time teachers.

In July 2006, the congregation purchased 45 acres of property 1.5 miles west of the first church and school location. With God's loving guidance we built our beautiful new church and school and dedicated it to the Glory of God on February 21, 2010.

The best way to really know Our Shepherd is to experience it first hand. We invite you to visit the School and share all that is special about Our Shepherd.

In 1971 a group of 50 families separated from Grace Lutheran Church in response to internal difficulties. Instead of joining other congregations they came together and formed a new church. Initially, it was called Lutheran Church Westside Mission. Arrangements were made for the group to worship at the facilities of Maplewood School. The first service was held on Sunday, April 18, 1971.

On July 25, 1971, the steadily growing group of families chose the name “Our Shepherd Lutheran Church” for its own. From this point on, the congregation began to focus its energy on building a new church facility.

By early 1972 the congregation had formed a building committee and was busy planning for the construction of a church facility. A five-acre piece of land at 9101 West 10th Street had been purchased as the future site for the new building. On Sunday, January 6, 1974, the house of worship was dedicated.

The growth of Our Shepherd made it necessary in 1986 to undertake an extensive building program. Classrooms, offices, and support facilities were expanded. The expanded facilities allowed for the beginning of a preschool ministry and the planning of a Christian Day School. On June 6, 1993, Selma Kluender was installed as the first Principal of Our Shepherd Lutheran School. In September 1993 first grade began, and one grade has been added each year thereafter.