In June of 1955 the old Galilee Episcopal Church building at 18th and Atlantic Avenue was purchased, including 100 feet on the ocean front. The congregation worshiped at this location until moving to a new building on our present site in December of 1964. Numerous renovations have been undertaken since that time, including an expansion of the sanctuary, educational space, the Taylor-Keister Fellowship Hall, renovation of our Courtyard, and the installation of a new pipe organ.

In particular, the installation of the organ reflects a love and spirit of worship at Good Shepherd that is steeped in a tradition of sacred music and liturgy. In 1989 the Congregation dedicated the 17 rank, 2 manual Zimmer Organ which was installed by organ builders Henry Hawkinson and Morris Spearman. Under the direction of long-time Organist and Choir Director, Steve Sunderland, a rich variety of instrumental and vocal pieces resounds throughout our worship space each Sunday.

The Courtyard contains one of the most distinctive features of our grounds, a beautiful bronze statue of Jesus the Good Shepherd which was given to us by Mr. Gabriel Glasheen. This statue, which we desire to truly symbolize the spirit of our congregation, stands in the center of a courtyard which also contains two Columbarium units. The story of the Courtyard is a unique one. A vandal entered our old courtyard area one Lent, destroying a large, long-standing wooden cross.

Extensive publicity in the local media concerning the theft and destruction of this cross, and the undertaking by Kevin Welch to renovate the courtyard as part of his Eagle Scout Project, led to a local steel company offering to donate a new one. Mr. Glasheen, who happened to come by one day during the renovation process, graciously offered the statue of the Good Shepherd which was designed and built by a California sculptor, Robert Cunningham. The Courtyard and Columbarium were dedicated on June 1, 2003.

Much has happened in the life of our congregation since those first meetings in the Community House. Yet today, as a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, we continue to reach out into our community with the same spirit that first led to the planting of a new Lutheran congregation in the Beach area over 50 years ago. With a strong focus on the ministry of Word and Sacrament, a heart for worship, and a desire to share the love of Christ with all people, we seek to faithfully embody the Gospel as good news.