Did you know that Gloria Dei Lutheran Church wasn’t always called Gloria Dei? This very spot in Olympia Washington started as a small gathering of Swedish and Finnish women in 1904. They formed a Ladies’ Aid Society a testament to their faith and resilience. Their initial goal was simple: to spread the Gospel and support each other. Soon a bigger vision took hold building a church.
This led to the formal founding of the Swedish-Finnish Lutheran Church on September 20 1905. Twenty-nine charter members signed their commitment to faith and community. Two years later the church purchased a lot at 5th and Adams. They repurposed an existing white clapboard building. Originally built by Presbyterians in 1862 the building became their sanctuary. Services were predominantly in Swedish. But as the community evolved so did the church. By 1921 more services were conducted in English. The name changed to The Evangelical Lutheran Bethesda Church reflecting this linguistic shift and community growth.
A further transformation occurred in 1931. The church adopted an “all English” program. In 1935 they finally adopted the name Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. The name Gloria Dei comes from the Latin phrase meaning “Glory to God”. This name change reflected the church’s ongoing growth and evolution. It’s a name that beautifully encapsulates the spirit of the congregation.
Yet the church continued to grow. By the mid-1960s the existing building was too small. Ground was broken for a new facility on the west side of Olympia. The new sanctuary now called Luther Hall was dedicated in less than a year. This remarkable feat was achieved almost entirely through volunteer labor approximately 4000 hours. But even this expansion wasn’t enough. A larger brick and stained glass sanctuary was dedicated on Palm Sunday in 1968.
Over the years the church has seen several pipe organs grace its services. This includes an antique oak pump organ now located in the Fireside Room. A highlight is the Casavant Opus Organ dedicated in 1995. This impressive instrument was a labor of love. The congregation contributed 7800 volunteer hours for its construction and installation. The organ contains 3600 pipes organized into 64 ranks and 60 stops. It’s a stunning example of community dedication and artistic achievement.
The story of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a testament to the enduring power of faith community and the unwavering spirit of those who built it. It’s a living testament to a century of growth and service. Their story continues to this day a vibrant presence in Olympia.