Mission:

Called by Christ to Love, Learn, Invite and Serve.

History:

First Lutheran Church, Pasco was formed on November 30, 1919 during an organizational meeting at the P.E. Anderson home with Rev. L.C. Foss, then President of the District, present. This church was originally known as "The First English Lutheran Church" until the constitution was amended in February 1921 to read "The First Lutheran Congregation of Pasco".  A lease was signed on December 16, 1920 for renting of the Baptist building at the corner of 5th & Clark streets.  The first service held in this building was the Christmas Service.  In May 1923, the lot, upon which the present church building is located was purchased.  Rev Fossel was then pastor until accepting a call in Chinook, WA August, 1931.  We were without a pastor until November, 1931 when Rev. Harold F Hammer of Minneapolis accepted the call.  In May 1932 it was decided to combine the Pasco and Kennewick congregations, holding service in Kennewick.  This arrangement was kept in effect until April, 1937 when Rev. Hammer was replaced by Rev. Carl E.L.Lucky of South Dakota.  Rev. Hammer accepted a call to Alaska.  The services were again held in the Pasco church building beginning on June 6, 1937.

In October, 1938 a contract was entered to begin construction of a church building on the property purchased in 1923.  Groundbreaking ceremonies were held on October 2, 1938 with Rev H.L. Foss, President of the District, in charge of these services. Actual building was begun on October 25, 1938.  Our church bell was first used at Genesee, Idaho in one of the first congregations in this part of the country.  The bell originally went to the Kennewick church but once they purchased a new church home, already having a bell, the bell was given to the Pasco congregation. 

On March 5, 1939 services were held in the church parlors following gathering at the Anderson home and marched in a body to the new building, led by Rev. Lucky and Mr & Mrs P.E. Anderson.  Olaf Skartland and Duane Taber had the honor of ringing the church bell.  The first service in the church proper was held on April 9, 1939.