The History of Gloria Dei

Gloria Dei in 1980

"Gloria Dei" is Latin for "the glory of God" taken from the Book of Revelation. Under the leadership of God's Holy Spirit and with His blessing, we have seen the glory of God manifested in the life of Gloria Dei over the past 37 years.

Gloria Dei began as eight families worshipping in Olmsted Elementary School in 1963, and by God's blessing has grown into more than 1700 members in over 750 families worshipping in three services each Sunday. To Him alone belongs the glory!

Nine acres of land were purchased in Urbandale in 1960. On June 25, 1963, a meeting was held to see how many people would be interested in beginning a mission congregation. Seven people attended. They committed their time, talents and treasure to see the mission become a reality.

Rev. Alan Rudow became the mission developer on August 23, 1963. The first worship service was conducted by Pastor Rudow October 13, 1963, and January 3 1965 was Charter Membership Sunday. There were 143 people.

Rev. Clarence Pannier served the church as the first resident pastor from August 22, 1965, to 1968. Rev. Robert Olson was installed as the second pastor March 2, 1969. He served until 1975. Rev. Daniel Parsch served Gloria Dei from July of 1975 through October of 2002. Rev. Ronald Burcham was installed as the current pastor June 1, 2003.

Three associate pastors have served: Rev. Victor Hoyer from 1990 to 1995, Rev. William Douthwaite from 1991 to 1996, and Rev. Ronald Burcham from 1992 through May of 2003, when he was installed as the Senior Pastor.

In 2004, Rev. Tim Phillips joined the staff as Director of Congregational Care and Associate Pastor. In 2005, Rev. Kendall Meyer joined the staff as Director of Adult Ministry and Associate Pastor.

In 2009, Rev. Kendall Meyer accepted a Call to Mt. Olive Lutheran Church and School and Rev. Philip Robarge, a recent seminary graduate, joined us as Director of Adult Ministry and Associate Pastor.

Currently, the staff has three full-time pastors, eight full-time employees and many part-time employees.

We offer five distinct worship services on the weekend and a variety of activities for every age group.