Central Lutheran Church

This folder contains copies of “Central Lutheran Reminder” newsletter, a congregational directory form, various letters, a congregational historical record, a copy of the constitution of the church, a booklet from the dedication service, a bulletin from 1962, a 75th anniversary booklet, a congregational statistical record, letters of call, and a 1980 annual report.

Bellingham Bay Lutheran originated on May 2, 1890 with twenty families represented. In January of 1902 the congregation received a loan from the ULC and built a church on the corner of Ellis, Garden and Champion Streets. Zion Norwegian Evangelical was organized in October of 1891. By 1902 the congregation had bought Bellingham Bay’s former church on Grant Street. On July 6, 1917 the two congregations merged to form Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church. During T. J. Norby’s pastorate the name was changed to American Central Lutheran Church. In January of 1956 the present church was completed, the first worship services taking place there on Sunday, February 6, 1956, and dedication following on March 4. The congregation acquired a parsonage at 520 14th Street, formerly the Louis Miller home. In 1963 the congregation dedicated a Sunday School and Educational Unit.