The History
Lutheran Church of The Master was officially organized at a meeting held in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur J. Behrens, by just seventeen charter members, on September 30th, 1940. Arthur Behrens was a true visionary who recognized the need for a Lutheran house of worship in the west Los Angeles area and was instrumental in the founding of this church.

Although the church was officially established on September 30th, several services had been held in a small dance studio on Westwood Boulevard beginning with the first service on August 11th, 1940. To guide this young church came a newly ordained pastor-- The Rev. Sterling Candow and his bride Emma Lou. The imprint of his ministry and leadership is apparent in many aspects of the church, including the design and construction of the buildings. Thus began the long and fruitful ministry of Lutheran Church of The Master. The Congregation has been served by three pastors in its sixty years: Sterling Candow, Charles Daley and Robert Richards.

Through the years the congregation has continued the admonition to serve and minister to others. In addition to providing for the spiritual needs of our congregation, Lutheran Church of The Master currently hosts three Alcoholics Anonymous groups, provides support for Hospice in Home (which through a network of volunteers provides help and resources for the terminally ill) and leases classroom space to the Los Angeles Alternative Charter School which emphasizes a humanistic approach to education with parental participation. The Congregation has supported the homeless at Hill House in Santa Monica, Centrum (a ministry in Hollywood directed toward homeless youth), Meals on Wheels, Westside Ecumenical Conference, Solheim Home Lutheran Social Services, Lutheran World Relief, Lutheran Bible School and Trinity Seminary as well as benevolence through the church at large.

Educational opportunities are available for all ages. In addition to Sunday Church School for adults and youth, a unique youth program meets weekly providing confirmation instruction, dinner recreation and supervised study time. Fellowship-- food for body and soul-- are available to men on the second Saturday of each month (Men's Bible Study and breakfast).

The women meet the second Saturday of the month for a luncheon with a Bible Study and program. The Altar Guild members care for the Altar and Chancel, including changing paraments according to the church seasons and assisting in the preparation for communion. A visitation program by members brings the church to the shut-ins, the sick and visitors. The choir (which includes all ages) provides another avenue of worship and service through music.

The Charitable Foundation
The Lutheran Church of The Master's Charitable Foundation was created in 1986 and is part of the Congregational Ministry allowing interested persons to provide a vehicle for Estate Planning Purposes and charitable gifts, or income for their heirs. The income derived from the Foundation is used strictly for charitable purposes, scholarships and Bible Camperships.

The year 1941 saw many changes occur that would affirm our theme "A Changeless Christ in a Changing World." Joyous time: the ground-breaking ceremonies held on August 10th heralding the construction on the church. Historic time: the cornerstone laid on October 5th and the Church and Parsonage dedicated on December 14th. Uncertain time: the war years. Many fathers, sons, and brothers went off to war while those at home continued the mission of the church. By 1945, the Church outgrew its mission status and became self-supporting, had purchased a third lot for a parish hall and dedicated a new Hammond electric organ, a gift from the Arthur Behrens family.

The 1950s
During the fifties, the congregation rejoiced in the ordination in the ministry of the Reverends John DeYoung (1954), Ray Johnson (1957) and Robert DeYoung (1959). Physical change came in the form of the two story education building (1952); new chancel and choir furniture built by Richard Carlson (1955), new heating and circulating system (1957) and remodeling of the balcony and narthex (1959). A lot used for parking was purchased in 1959.

The 1960s
Events in the sixties began with the establishment of the American Lutheran Church with headquarters in Minneapolis, MN (1960). In 1960, the church also celebrated the ordination of the reverend James Blain and the commissioning of Pastor and Mrs. John DeYoung as missionaries to Japan. Further remodeling of the church sanctuary with paneling, carpeting, new Altar paraments and balcony pews were seen in 1963. In 1965, Pastor and Mrs. Candow celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary and Pastor Candow's 25th ordination anniversary.

Many events and changes have occurred in the many years since the inception of Lutheran Church of The Master. It has experienced the boom years following World War II when it was a suburban neighborhood church to one reflecting an inner city church. It has enjoyed peaceful times and anguished through wars. It has seen the marvels of the universe through the space program. Political systems have risen and fallen. Yet as the world changes, Lutheran Church of The Master has remained faithful to its mission. Older members have provided the continuity of the fellowship begun so many years ago, and together with the activity and dedication of the younger members, the church is regaining new vitality. The composition of the Church leadership reflects this diversity and the talents of the congregation. The Church has also been richly blessed with remarkable shepherds - Sterling Candow, Charles Daley and Robert S. Richards. Each have brought their own special talents to the congregation and together with the members have woven a truly beautiful tapestry of the Christian community known as Lutheran Church of The Master.

Throughout these many years, the area in which Lutheran Church of The Master stands has changed dramatically from wide-open spaces to a crowded metropolis. Yet it has maintained its visibility and its mission, faithfully serving and continuing to serve "a changeless Christ in a changing world."

Previous pastors

The congregation of Lutheran Church of The Master experienced the dedicated ministry of Pastor Candow until his retirement in May of 1977. He was succeeded by Pastor Charles Daley in June 1977. The Rev. Robert Richards was called to be pastor in January 1979.

Pastor Richards is the ultimate teacher whether in his sermons, the classroom or in informal discussions. His love and understanding of history make the Bible relevant to present times and Biblical admonitions are woven together with anecdotes and humor. His ministry at Lutheran Church of The Master demonstrates his vision, his caring for each person, and his dedication. In 1989 the congregation celebrated the 25th anniversary of his ordination.