Central Lutheran Church

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.

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.