60 Years of Faith and Learning: Lutheran North High School Celebrates Diamond Anniversary

On April 25, 2025, exactly 60 years after its original dedication ceremony in 1965, Lutheran North Middle and High School celebrated a momentous milestone in its history. The 60th anniversary dedication service brought together 60 alumni, former faculty and friends with the current student body to commemorate six decades of Christ-centered education at 5401 Lucas and Hunt Road.

The special chapel service began with a powerful Scripture reading from Acts 4:8-12, where Peter proclaims Jesus as the cornerstone that the builders rejected, emphasizing that "Salvation is found in no one else." These words set the tone for a celebration that honored both the physical building and the spiritual foundation upon which Lutheran North was built.

After an uplifting musical performance by the Chapel Band, alumni and pastor Joel Christiansen, N’74, delivered a moving message titled "The Building Isn't Finished!" Drawing from his personal experiences as a student, Christiansen reflected on how the building at 5401 Lucas and Hunt Road has served as more than just a physical structure—it has been a place of transformation, growth, and community for generations of students.

Christiansen shared the remarkable story of Lutheran North's origins, noting how despite financial challenges and weather setbacks, the original building was completed after two and a half years of construction at a cost of $1.5 million (equivalent to over $15 million today). The original dedication took place on Sunday, April 25, 1965, the Sunday after Easter.

"I wasn't here when this building was built," Christiansen reflected. "When I came as a student five years later, I didn't think much about this building and all that went into it—it was just the building where I went to high school. But what happened IN this building shaped me and continued to form me."

Throughout his message, Christiansen wove together personal stories that illustrated how Lutheran North had been a formative presence in his life—from meeting his future wife on the bleachers at a homecoming dance to being taught and mentored by Wayne Vogelsmeier, who later became his father-in-law and served as Athletic Director for over 25 years.

The heart of Christiansen's message centered on Ephesians 2:19-22, where Paul speaks of the church as a building with Christ as the cornerstone. "More important than belonging to this building, you belong to God's building," Christiansen told the assembled students and alumni. "The chief cornerstone of your life is not a WHAT but a WHO. It is Jesus."

He emphasized that while Lutheran North has stood for 60 years, the true building project—the spiritual formation of its students—is ongoing. "God is building you!" he declared, noting that this construction process continues throughout one's entire life, shaping individuals to "abound in love" and "make wise choices and do the right things."

Perhaps most powerfully, Christiansen addressed the theme of unity amid diversity, reminding everyone that "In Christ the whole building is joined...in Christ you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit."

"None of us are the same," he acknowledged. "Different intelligences. Different skills. Different interests. Instead of evaluating, comparing, celebrating, none of us are the same, but we are ONE together in Jesus."

In a time of cultural challenges, racial tensions, and political divisions, Christiansen encouraged the Lutheran North community to "celebrate unity in Jesus Christ" and to "hang out and listen to people who are different than you."

The celebration concluded with the singing of the Lutheran High Hymn, a tradition that has spanned generations of students. As the voices of alumni mingled with those of current students, the moment symbolized the living connection between past and present—and the continued mission of Lutheran North for future generations.

As Pastor Christiansen concluded, "This building is not finished. You are under construction. May God do His good work in you individually, and in us together, and God will be glorified and honored!"

The 60th anniversary celebration served not only as a look back at Lutheran North's rich history but also as a reminder of its enduring purpose—to build young people in Christ, equipping them for lives of service, learning, and faith.

Lutheran North continues to carry out its mission of providing Christ-centered education to students in the St. Louis area.