Thank you for visiting Rio Redeemer Lutheran's website. We invite you to join our services, communion, and fellowship. We are part of the ELCA, together with more than 8,900 congregations across the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
We gather on Sunday Mornings at 9:00am for Worship of Song, Word and Holy Communion.
JOIN US TODAY! For more information, please contact the church office at 920-992-3553 or office@rioredeemerlutheran.org.
Our History
Redeemer Lutheran Church of Rio, Wisconsin is a congregation of God's people that has been guided through God's grace since 1903. We have been blessed as we have grown and worked to spread God's word. We are excited at every baptism, first communion, confirmation, and the welcoming of new members.
Our spiritual heritage is mostly of Scandinavian ancestry. The early beginnings of Lutheranism in this area were started through "circuit-riding pastors" who were ministering to several small congregations in this area. With their home base at Koshkonong, near Stoughton, it eventually became necessary for Rio to have its own church. The cornerstone for Redeemer was laid on September 27, 1903 when the church was built, and the dedication took place on July 17, 1904. The cost of the building was $4,000. There were many that gave gifts of money and most of the labor was donated. In 1932, the Norwegian language was discontinued at services, partially at first and then altogether.
For a long time, church leaders had encouraged congregations to name their church so it would serve as a Christian witness, rather than just a location. When the re-modeled church and parish hall were dedicated in 1965, the name of the church was changed from "Rio Evangelical Lutheran Church" to "Redeemer Lutheran Church". Redeemer was proud to celebrate its centennial year in 2003.