History

Our Story

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church was founded in 1955 as a mission congregation of English Lutheran Church in La Crosse, beginning with 239 members under the leadership of Pastor J.L. Mattes.

The congregation first gathered in a small house chapel on South 27th Street. In 1961, Good Shepherd moved to its current location at the corner of Birch Street and Mormon Coulee Road. The building was expanded in 1982 to include the current sanctuary and additional office space, transforming the original sanctuary into a welcoming fellowship hall.

In 1995, the fellowship hall was renovated, expanded, and dedicated as the Mattes Center in honor of Pastor Mattes. The church continued to grow, and in 2006, the parking lot across Birch Street was paved and the peaceful Columbarium and Prayer Garden were dedicated.

Today, Good Shepherd is a vibrant, welcoming community offering joyful worship, meaningful fellowship, and programs for all ages. We invite you to join us—everyone is welcome here.

Quick Facts

• Good Shepherd was founded in 1955

• Moved to current location on 4141 Mormon Coulee Rd in La Crosse, WI in 1961

• The Mattes Center was renovated and expanded in 1995

• The Columbarium and Prayer Garden was dedicated in 2006