This fall, Lutheran Church of the Redeemer will mark a century of faith, fellowship, and service in Birmingham. What began with a small gathering on November 23, 1924, in Johnson Shaw Hall—above what is now Churchill’s Cigar Bar—has grown into one of the city’s most cherished institutions.

Within six months of that first worship service, Redeemer found a permanent home in a wood-frame building at Lincoln and Ann. By 1942, as Birmingham expanded westward, the congregation purchased more than six acres on Maple Road and built a colonial-style church modeled after the Martha and Mary Chapel at Greenfield Village. Other local churches soon followed Redeemer’s lead, relocating west along Maple.

Over the decades, Redeemer has continued to evolve. The Westmaple Nursery School opened in 1950 and remains a beloved preschool, now serving its third generation of Birmingham families. In the 1970s, the church expanded with a chapel, gymnasium, youth wing, and classrooms. More recently, Redeemer added its Town Square gathering space in 2010, rebuilt its sanctuary in 2022, and installed a new Casavant organ that filled the church with music during a dedication recital by Dave Wagner, host of WRCJ 90.9.

Redeemer’s story is also one of remarkable pastoral continuity. In 94 of its 100 years, only three senior pastors have led the congregation: Rev. Ted Wuggazer (1931–1966), his son Rev. Duane Wuggazer (1966–1999), and Rev. Randall “Pastor Randy” Schlak, who has served since 1999.

Pastor Randy has become one of the church’s most beloved figures. Known for his fully memorized sermons—always kicked off with a joke, often self-deprecating—he blends Scripture with humor, life lessons, and even stories about his fondness for beer, wine, and cigars. His hearty belly laugh is as recognizable as his warm pastoral care. Church members often joke that he doesn’t write thank-you notes for gifts; instead, he weaves his gratitude into future sermons. Beyond the pulpit, Pastor Randy is deeply rooted in Birmingham, living in Westwood. Together, they’ve raised three children and now enjoy three grandchildren. His ministry is marked by genuine friendships with church members and neighbors alike.

The Wuggazer family’s legacy also runs deep at Redeemer. Myrtle Wuggazer, wife of Pastor Ted and mother of Pastor Duane, was the first director of Westmaple Nursery. Rev. Mark Wuggazer, Duane’s son and a fifth-generation pastor, served as Redeemer’s associate pastor from 2009 to 2016 and returned in June 2025 to preach during the centennial celebration.

Throughout its anniversary year, Redeemer has embraced both tradition and creativity. The kickoff service was held back in Johnson Shaw Hall—today Churchill’s—where members worshiped before enjoying bagels, coffee, and even a celebratory cigar or cocktail.

The celebration will culminate on November 7, 2025, with a free family carnival and a performance by the Detroit Youth Choir, offered as a heartfelt thank you to the Birmingham community that has embraced Redeemer for a century.

From its modest beginnings above a cigar bar to its place today as a cornerstone of faith, education, and fellowship, Redeemer Lutheran Church’s 100-year story is inseparable from the story of Birmingham itself. And with Pastor Randy’s laughter, guidance, and devotion leading the way, Redeemer looks ahead to the next century with joy, gratitude, and an unwavering commitment to serving the community.