History in Brief

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Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church dates back to June 12, 1957, when a small group of men and women met at the Knights of Pythias Hall (now Unity Merced Church) to discuss the formation of a Lutheran congregation in Merced. Mission developer, Pastor Harold P. Schluntz, accomplished the ground work and the church was officially born on November 8, 1959.

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The congregation met at several different locations until June, 1963, when a new building was completed at 3094 G Street.  A wide variety of traditional ministries grew at this location, including worship, music, children and adult study programs, and social events. Outreach efforts included migrant ministry, 6th Day Meals, CROP Walk for Hunger, refugee resettlement, scholarship program and the church’s own childcare center.

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In 1993, the church relocated to its present site at 1455 E. Yosemite Avenue. A 60th anniversary celebration was held in October of 2019 and a more detailed history of the congregation was compiled. This is available through the Church Office for anyone who is interested.

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