Klamath Lutheran Church (Klamath Falls, Or.)

Lutherans of Scandinavian decent began to meet for worship in Klamath Falls in 1927, meeting in hotel basements. Not having sufficient numbers, the group disbanded in the early 1930s, although the women continued to meet in homes for dinners and sewing. In early 1937 several families moved to Klamath Falls from Stanley, Wisconsin. Eager to have their own church they sought the advice of their home pastor. Their letter was forwarded to the Minneapolis office of the Norwegian Lutheran Church in America, and from there forwarded to Dr. H. L. Foss, president of the Pacific District, who then came and met with this group. A Ladies’ Aid was organized in April of 1937. For several months the group, led by laymen and supply pastors, met in hotels and ballrooms for services. In 1938, Rev. L. K. Johnson of Wisconsin was called and installed by Dr. Foss. The foundation of the church was poured the day before easter, 1939, and the cornerstone was laid the following September. The basement was dedicated in December of 1940, and services were held there until the sanctuary was finished in 1942. In 1958-1959 the congregation added an educational unit to the church.