Saint James Lutheran Church

(folder #1) This folder contains various letters, a copy of a newspaper article about the church, an informational pamphlet about the church, an application for a loan, a proposed budget, notes from a congregational meeting in 1974, a 1977 annual report, 1974 Recommendations for Actions, program goal sheets, a copy of “Partners in Mission” congregation-synod consultation, an application for program support 1975 , structural inspection report, a report on the church structure and recommendations to the church council, a report from the St. James retreat in 1973, a thank you note to the pastor. (folder #2) This folder contains a congregational historical record, a Liturgy of Holy Eucharist and Installation of a pastor booklet, newspaper clippings, an informational booklet about the church, a certificate from the rededication ceremony in 1977, a bulletin from 1956, a 65th anniversary booklet, a brief history of the church, a copy of an article about the church’s new advertising methods on public transportation, various letters, a church questionnaire, various ministry reports, a document outlining the church restoration project, ministry profiles from 1975 and 1976. (folder #3) This folder contains a book created for the 100th anniversary of the church,a program celebrating Pastor Smith's 25 years of service, organ dedication 1989 program, bulletin for Third Sunday after the Ephiphany 1997, paper on life and mission of church, and a booklet on the centennial.

St. James, the first English Lutheran Church in Oregon, came into being on March 2, 1890. Rev. M. L. Zweizig led a group of 30 interested people. On October 15 a constitution was adopted and the trustees were authorized to purchase two lots on the corner of SW Park at a cost “not to exceed $200.” A year later the Pioneer Chapel was erected, and in 1910 a new church was built. An education and office building was added in 1958. In recognition of its historic place and character in the life of the city of Portland, St. James was listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings in 1974. Two grants from the Collins Foundation and the National Historic Registry made a $600,000 restoration project possible. During the years of its early history, St.James participated in the organization of the Pacific Synod of the ULC, the founding of the Pacific Lutheran Seminary, the formation of the Lutheran Family Service, and the establishment of nine new Lutheran congregations in the Northwest..