First Lutheran Church

This folder contains a souvenir program from their 40th anniversary, a “life story of the church," newspaper articles about the church, a 75th anniversary bulletin, a bulletin from the service of dedication, a 100th anniversary booklet, various letters, a congregational historical record, a congregational statistical record, a letter of call, a list of people at the church who are alumni of PLU, a bulletin from 1981, a church constitution, a service for First Lutheran's merging with Immanuel Lutheran, and programs for an installation.

From 1877-1879 there existed in the Astoria area a Scandinavian Lutheran congregation. On September 7, 1884 a meeting was held for the purpose of organizing a Norwegian Lutheran congregation. They organized and called themselves the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Congregation of Astoria. On May 8, 1893 the church, built at 29th and Grand Avenue, was used for the first time. During Rev. Sorenson’s ministry (1904-1906), the church was moved and a parsonage was built. In 1949 the official church title was changed to First Lutheran church. In 1950 the Brotherhood was organized. In 1951 the three Ladies’ groups, while retaining their individual organizations, joined together to form the Women’s Missionary Federation, which in 1961 became known as the First Lutheran Church Women. January 25, 1952 marked the laying of the cornerstone for the church. The first service was held there on Palm Sunday, April 10, 1954, with dedication following on September 26 of that year. During Rev. Strandjord’s ministry the congregation was served by six interns.