History of Highlands Lutheran Church

In 1922, with the support of the Augustana Lutheran Church in downtown Denver, plans were developed for a new congregation in northwest Denver. Reverend J. David Ekstrom was sent to north Denver by the Mission Board of the Kansas Conference of the Augustana Lutheran Church in January 1923 and on March 31st of that year, Highlands Lutheran Congregation was organized with fifty-one charter members.

Beginning in 1923, the first services were held in a rented building on W. 40th Ave & Irving, which was later purchased for $3000.00. In 1946, thanks to a building fund, the congregation bought five lots adjoining the church property to the east and north for $985.00. In 1949, a parsonage was built at 3935 Irving and Pastor C. Rudolph Seastrand and his family were the first occupants.

By March of 1957, plans were underway for a new church with groundbreaking in May and on Christmas Eve of that year, services were held in the new church building. March of 1958 was the 35th anniversary of the congregation, and a dedication of the new church building was celebrated. The new building also provided a Kitchen/Fellowship Hall in the basement. In August 1962, the old church which was used since 1923, was demolished and removed. The year 1963 brought the combined dedication and 40th Anniversary celebration for a new Education and Administration building. In accordance with a national trend for LCA Pastors in 1978, the parsonage was sold and the Pastor began to receive a housing allowance.

In the 85 years since then, the members of Highlands have served northwest Denver through programs of ministry and outreach, opening our doors and our hands to our neighborhood and the world.