Identity elements
Reference code
Name and location of repository
Level of description
File
Title
Central Lutheran Church
Date(s)
Extent
Content and structure elements
Scope and content
This folder contains a history of the first 25 years of the church, an informational booklet from the church, a congregational historical record, two booklets from the completion of the organization of the church, a bulletin from Palm Sunday, two bulletins from the 20th anniversary service, and a bulletin from the church dedication.
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use elements
Conditions governing access
Physical access
Technical access
Conditions governing reproduction
Languages of the material
Scripts of the material
Language and script notes
Finding aids
Acquisition and appraisal elements
Custodial history
Immediate source of acquisition
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling information
Accruals
Related materials elements
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Related archival materials
Related descriptions
Notes element
General note
This congregation’s initial service was held on February 28, 1954. Pastors from Centralia and Kelso conducted services following that date in the Fissel Funeral Chapel. A Sunday school was opened October 24, 1954. In early 1955 sixty-five persons decided to build a church with volunteer labor, and on September 1, the first service was conducted in the new building. For a time, Central pastors preached at churches in Elbe, Randle and Packwood. During the late 1960s the membership declined due to shifting population and internal conflicts. Because of dwindling finances the congregation was served by part-time and retired pastors. In 1979 the church called a full-time pastor. Financial assistance was required from the LCA for several years. In a span of four years the congregation doubled its membership, tripled its attendance and more than tripled its contributions. In January of 1984 the church became self-supporting.