History of Gethsemane

Lord of Life is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The ELCA along with the Minneapolis Area Synod provides guidance and support to Lord of Life. The congregation retains primary leadership and control in decision-making, administrative and financial planning, building and property acquisition and maintenance, and planning regarding its future.

Lord of Life's independence has been successfully maintained and managed through the knowledge, talents, creativity, support, and energy of Lord of Life's staff, members, and its governing body, the Congregation Council.

Gethsemane Lutheran Church was founded in 1890 in the town of Hopkins, located just west of Minneapolis. Our congregation was originally comprised of farmers, factory hands and small business owners sharing fellowship in a small-town, "traditional" family setting.

As Hopkins has grown to become more ethnically and economically diverse, Gethsemane has grown with the community and has adapted its ministry through the years to meet changing needs.

Today Gethsemane Lutheran Church is an 1,100-member congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Our membership reflects the vitality of the many and varied west-suburban Twin Cities area neighborhoods, and visitors are welcomed from places near and far.