Our History

On December 10, 1944, a group of people, representing the Lutheran Churches of San Diego met at our Savior’s Lutheran Church for the purpose of organizing a Lutheran Welfare Commission in San Diego. The meeting was opened by a song by the group, and Scripture reading and prayer by Pastor Kibler. Dr. Kohler of Los Angeles gave an outline of the work as it is carried on in Los Angeles and made suggestions as to our procedure in organizing a commission in San Diego. A motion was made, seconded and carried that Pastor Kibler act as chairman pro tem. A motion was made that those present be allowed to make a contribution to the commission. Motion seconded and carried. A motion was then made that a recommendation be made to each congregation, that each congregation pay $25.00 for the year 1945, the money to be used as a working fund by the commission.

January 28, 1945, Pastor Elmer Friedlund read a letter from Miss Lund of the National Lutheran Council of New York City, now at Los Angeles, in the interest of a like purpose. He then commented on the welfare opportunity and outlook of the work from his prepared talk. The meeting proceeded with Pastor Kibler’s appointment of two tellers after the motion and adoption to elect a temporary chairman, secretary and treasurer. Mr. Oren O. Crockett of Our Savior’s Church was elected temporary chairman, John J. Enders of Good Shepherd Church, temporary secretary, and H.M. Ulberg of Our Savior’s Church, temporary treasurer.

February 4, 1945, the temporary secretary reported on the meeting with Miss Lund on January 30 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church at which several of the committee were present. It was moved, seconded, and unanimously carried that we organize as a branch of the Southern California area.

March 4, 1945, Pastor Friedlund made a report of the meeting attended with Pastors Towe and Kibler at First Lutheran Church in Los Angeles where articles of incorporation and by-laws were formulated, presented to the Welfare Commission, were adopted and the organization of Lutheran Social Services of Southern California formed.

Out of their vision and in a very short time span, came a joining together of Los Angeles and San Diego to form LSS/SC to be a servant of the church and serve those in need. Pastor Kibler and Orin Crockett continued to lead the work for many years. Mr. Crockett’s generosity continued in his will as his gift continued to enable projects to be funded.

LSS/SC is a non-profit agency which has served in partnership with its congregations and supporters for more than 60 years. The agency continues to show a passion for Christ and HIS Church by the delivery of social services that affect outreach and social justice. This passion continues throughout the LSS/SC ministry by doing work that:

• Improves the quality of life for people with limited options
• Promote mental, physical, and spiritual healing
• Encourage human growth and development and
• Provide continuums of care for those in need

This ministry now extends from San Diego, to Inland Empire, San Bernardino County, Long Beach, Los Angeles, San Gabriel Valley, Kern County, Ventura and Santa Barbara.

As we look at our Lutheran heritage we are reminded that freedom to serve is, by grace, our freedom to serve, as Martin Luther saw so well.

The Board and staff of LSS/SC are committed to making the 21st Century an even more significant period in the history of the Lutheran Church’s social service heritage. LSS/SC will continue to change lives and give hope and comfort to those who are lost in the darkness