Salem Lutheran Church

File

Salem Lutheran Church

This folder contains a document of the final planning stages, a sermon preached at the dedication of the basement of the church, a bulletin from the ordination service of Paul Rubert Swanson, a historical sketch of Bethsaide Swedish Lutheran Church, "Salem 1973" -history of the church, a copy of the priorities for Salem, "Partners In Mission" covenant for the congregation, a congregational historical record, a pamphlet from the church 1981, a copy of a newspaper article, a bulletin from the 60th anniversary, two bulletins from the 65th anniversary, a bulletin from the installation of Reverend Gordon James Young, a booklet from the dedication of Salem Park, "Friendly Visitor" newsletters from 1969, a copy of the sermon given on the cornerstone laying celebration day, a bulletin from the ordination of Wesley Howard Howell, a bulletin from the ordination service of pastor Swanson, a church directory, a bulletin from the service of installation for pastor Wigstrom, a newsletter from 1998, a booklet from 1997, a booklet from the dedication in 1998, a bulletin from the 40th anniversary celebration of the ordination of pastor Swanson, and a bulletin from 1982.

On January 22, 1881, Swedish pioneer missionary Peter Carlson established Bethsaida Congregation in a schoolhouse near LaConner with seven couples as charter members. By October 2, 1892 a church was dedicated. By 1907 Swedish Lutherans from Finland had arrived in the area, and Rev. G. A. Anderson served this group which called themselves Bethesda of Cederdale. Rev. Anderson recognized that real growth would be Mount Vernon. On May 18, 1913, 48 adults and 56 children became charter members of Salem Lutheran. Services were at first held in the Norwegian Lutheran Church. Pastor Anderson served all three congregations. Bethesda merged with Salem in1913, and Bethsaida in 1925. A new site was purchased in 1917. By 1919 the basement was completed. A parsonage was completed in 1920. The church was dedicated on December 7, 1926. An education wing was completed in the late 1940s and was remodeled in the late 70s.