Now affiliated with Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (E.L.C.A.), the church was initially formed as an extended ministry of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, thanks in large part to the efforts of four couples who were committed to forming a Lutheran church in the Foothills area. With the help of Gloria Dei pastor Jim Lundeen, our predecessor church-Lutheran Mission in the Foothills was formed. Services first were held January 23, 1983 in the Cave Creek grade school cafeteria and the congregation contributed time and materials to construct their sanctuary every Sunday morning. Members recall that their feet usually would stick to the floor, thanks to the remnants of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches! Pastor John Podszus was asked by Gloria Dei to help build the congregation and to preach—which he did initially for $5.00/hour and mileage reimbursement. After 10 months, the church moved to the Carefree trade center, and later, a storefront located between the Episcopal Church and the local Dairy Queen, where at least the altar and chairs were allowed to remain set up every week, and peanut butter hazards could be avoided!

The organization of the congregation took slightly over a year, during which time 100 pledged intentions of membership were secured. This was a remarkable achievement in a short period of time (the Synod allowed up to two years to meet this goal) and is reflective of the standard of ministry that the church remains committed to today—exceeding high standards for worship, ministry and community involvement. On February 17, 1985, Christ the Lord Lutheran Church was organized as a congregation of people. Articles incorporated were drawn, a constitution approved, the first church council and president elected and pastor John officially called as CtL’s pastor. Charter member Mary Schoenoff recalls that the celebration of this important achievement could not be accommodated in the storefront, but as luck would have it, the Desert Foothills Community Theatre was performing nearby in a large tent, which was used for the occasion. With synod officials present, the congregation joyously raised their voices in celebration—so much so that a fuse blew halfway through the service and they had to finish without lights and audio equipment and with lukewarm coffee after the service! Mary reports that none of this dimmed the enthusiasm of the congregation, a characteristic that remains today.

As with any new congregation, the desire to grow and to have their own church sanctuary was very great for this young, struggling congregation. Under the expert leadership of Council President, Jean Forinash, a plan was established and fund raising began for the new church. The Lutheran Church in America had purchased a parsonage, as well as the land for the new church on the east side of Carefree. It was now a matter of funding and support before the church could be built. Adding to the challenge, Pastor Podzsus resigned in June of 1988 and a committee was assembled to call a new pastor. After looking at many candidates, in December 1988 a call was sent to Pastor Bob Hutson, then serving at King of Glory in Tempe. Pastor Hutson accepted, and he, his wife Nancy and two young daughters moved to Carefree.

Pastor Bob remembers that at the time, friends and colleagues questioned his decision to accept this call from a small church located out in the desert, but on May 28, 1989, groundbreaking took place on a beautiful piece of desert earth for a beautiful sanctuary and, as Pastor Bob puts it, “I have to believe that God’s hand was helping in the process.” With the support of approximately 50 people and the E.L.C.A., architect Francis Schulz was hired to design the church, Stacey Construction contracted as general contractor and events were put in motion for the new sanctuary. After countless hours and meetings, the church was finally under construction!

Easter Sunday of 1990 began with the first worship service in the uncompleted Prayer Garden at the church. (Today, CtL continues the tradition, starting Palm Sunday services in the Prayer Garden.) The cornerstone was laid May 20, 1990, and the first indoor service was held on May 27, 1990. Official Dedication Services were held on November 11, 1990, and behold the prayers of many were answered.

From it’s modest beginnings with four couples, the church has grown to an active adult membership of almost 300 people, led for the past 12 years by Pastor Bob Hutson. “Pastor Bob” as he is known to parishioners and throughout the community, grew up in Watertown, Wisconsin and married childhood sweetheart, Nancy Kraemer, following completion of their undergraduate studies in Iowa (Luther College and Wartburg College for Bob and Nancy respectively). The couple moved to Connecticut, where Bob earned a master’s degree in Divinity from Yale University, with the intention of teaching Greek and the New Testament at the university level. However, while at Yale, Bob felt the workings of God’s hand just as he later did upon accepting CtL’s call. He recalls the moment somewhat irreverently (an occasional tendency), noting that since he could preach and sing, he figured the job was a good fit. But it very quickly became apparent that being a pastor was what God wanted him to do, blending his passion for teaching, theology, public speaking, singing, Hebrew, Latin, professional counseling and an absolute love for people and life itself.