First Lutheran Church

Let’s take a step back in time. What if I told you that this beautiful house of worship, First Lutheran Church, wasn’t always standing tall here on 40th Avenue Northeast? It all started in 1915 with a group of 15 women who wanted to create a place of faith in their community. They held their first meetings in a tiny schoolhouse, then even used a tent for services! It wasn’t until 1924 that the church was formally organized. This happened in a home, where 85 people gathered to share their faith. The church was nicknamed “English” because the services were held in English, rather than Swedish, which was common at the time. These early members had to be patient, though. They met in different homes and the school until the basement of the church was finally built in 1924. The full church wasn’t finished until 1928, and when it was, its towering brick structure could hold more than 400 people! It took a few more years for the church to grow and expand, and it underwent more changes in the 1960s.
Today, First Lutheran Church continues to be a vibrant hub in its community. It offers a variety of programs, including Sunday School, a youth group, a drama ministry, and an after-school program. They may have started small, but their spirit has only grown stronger over the years. It’s a testament to their deep connection to their faith and the community. So, as you stand here before this church, remember the unwavering spirit of those early members who dared to dream big.