Lutheran Church in 60th year in Columbia Falls

It was 60 years ago in April that plans for Our Savior's Lutheran Church were approved by Home Missions Department of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, Minneapolis. Announcement was made in April, 1951. Two Easter services were conducted that year.

Church was officially organized as a mission project, April 9, 1947. First worship services were conducted by Myron Swanson, Kalispell intern, under the direction of Pastor Amon Johnson. He was pastor of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Kalispell.

Pastor Harry Baker and his family moved here from Wisconsin in August, 1947. Pastor Baker also conducted services in Helena Flats.

Newest church in Columbia Falls in 1951 was constructed just south of Columbia Falls High School at the corner of Fourth Avenue and Seventh Street West. It was across from two of the first churches built in Columbia Falls, St. Matthew's Episcopal and St. Richard's Catholic. The Methodist Church, located several blocks north at 117 Second Street West, was also built in the 1890s.

Church building committee members were Norman Borgen, chairman; William Schmidt, secretary; Pastor Baker, treasurer; Mrs. Anne Ryan, Archie Corrigeux, Lawrence Rude, Mrs. Archie Corrigeux, Alfred Hoye, Finley Arnett, Orin Seilstad, Marvin Larson and August Arlt. Church officers, Pastor Baker, president; Mrs. Seilstad, vice president and Mrs. Rude, secretary, also served as building committee members.

Gehres Weed, Kalispell, was architect of the church, which featured a huge wooden cross at the entrance. There were 60 confirmed church members in the new congregation. They were busy with church activities, including Our Savior's Lutheran Ladies Aid, Men's Lutheran Brotherhood, Junior League, church choir, Sunday school and a cradle roll sponsored by the aid. Congregation has continued to grow through the years. Interests have included helping to establish Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell.

Gladys Shay is a longtime resident and columnist for the Hungry Horse News.