How does a church become a landmark of faith in a community? Let me tell you the story of First Lutheran Church of West Seattle. It stands as a testament to faith, architecture, and community since 1918.
First Lutheran Church ELCA began with missionary work. Reverend Hans Oppedal, Reverend Olaf Holen, and Reverend Erick B. Slettedahl helped to establish it. The church officially formed on September 25, 1918. Reverend Hans H. B. Wogter became the first pastor on March 21, 1920.
The original church was a simple wood structure. It was built in 1918 at 44th Street and Dakota. This building was 28 by 48 feet. Its construction cost only about $2,000. You can even see a model of this original building inside the current church. Stanley Sears built it for everyone to enjoy.
The congregation first worshipped in the current building on Palm Sunday, April 2, 1950. Rolland Denny Lamping designed it. He was a great-grandchild of Seattle founding father Arthur A. Denny. The architectural firm of Lockman, Ayer, Lamping, and Broman contributed to the design. Anderson Construction Company built the neo-Gothic church. It measures 100 feet long, 45 feet wide, and 48 feet tall.
Inside First Lutheran Church, admire the stained glass windows. Notice the concrete arches, pillars, and vaulted beam ceilings. Look down at the 25-ton terrazzo floor.
The Parish House is another key part of the church complex. It serves as the education and office building. Durham, Anderson & Freed designed it. The George E. Teufel Company constructed it. The Parish House was dedicated on May 4, 1958.
The stained glass windows at First Lutheran Church of West Seattle tell stories. Anton Rez designed and installed the Great Altar Window in the early 1950s. This triptych window shows scenes from the Life of Christ. These include the Nativity, the Boy Jesus in the Temple, and the Last Supper. The oak reredos framing the window was finished in June 2005. It is an expanded version of one from Luther Memorial Church in Tacoma.
In the north aisle, you can see windows of The Wheat and Bread. You can also find windows of St. Paul and The Chalice. The south aisle features windows of the Four Evangelists. Centered among them is the Holy Scripture window. It shows writings from the Old and New Testaments.
The Chapel windows are the newest. They were installed in January 1988. Robert and Jill Hill of Hill Associates designed these windows. Their theme is “Praise to God.” They depict the Annunciation, the Visitation, and the Presentation.
Hill Associates also created the Engraved Narthex Window Screen in 1985. These ten windows represent water themes from the Old Testament. These themes connect to Holy Baptism.
First Lutheran Church is part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. This is the largest Lutheran body in North America. The ELCA formed in 1988. It was a merger of three Lutheran churches. First Lutheran belongs to the Northwest Washington Synod.
Since 1918, First Lutheran Church has welcomed all. The church continues to serve its community. It offers worship, music, and care for those in need. It is a beacon of faith in West Seattle.