Oakridge Lutheran Church was founded in 1985, emerging from two immigrant congregations—one Icelandic and one German—coming together in the heart of the Oakridge neighborhood. From the very beginning, the church was deeply rooted in community outreach, with neighbors participating in fundraising events like Christmas bazaars and other local initiatives to support the church's mission.

In the year 2000, Oakridge Lutheran Church expanded its focus to serve the growing immigrant population from Asia, offering services in Mandarin to better meet the needs of this new community. Over the years, the congregation began to envision a new chapter for the church—one that would not only serve as a place of worship but also as a community hub. The vision included a more accessible building, spaces for older members of the congregation to live comfortably, and facilities that could be used for outreach to a broader and more diverse population.

Throughout the years, Oakridge Lutheran Church has been home to over six different congregations, speaking a variety of languages, but united by a common vision: to bring God's people together in faith and fellowship. 

In 2017, the small church building was demolished, making way for a new vision—one that combined faith, affordable housing, and community outreach. Partnering with Catalyst Development, Oakridge Lutheran Church broke ground on the ‘Hannelore’ building, named in honor of Hannelore Gerlach, whose leadership was instrumental in bringing this vision to life. The building, completed in 2019, was the first of its kind—blending worship space with low-income rental housing and commercial space for the wider community.

This innovative model is a true testament to God’s grace. Through a victorious legal battle over land title, the congregation was able to move forward with this ambitious project, which has since become a blueprint for churches around the world. The ‘Hannelore’ building is not just a structure; it is a living example of faith in action—a place where God's fingerprints are visible, and where community, outreach, and spiritual growth thrive.