Lakeridge Lutheran Church (Seattle, Wash.)

In the summer of 1944, the Allied forces landed on the beaches of Normandy and Pastor O. R. Kleppe moved into the Lakeridge area to do battle with zoning regulations, objecting neighbors, and mud. In due time a congregation was organized and land was purchased, and ground was broken for a sanctuary in January 1945. The cornerstone of the church was laid in October of 1946, and the building was formally dedicated on June 20, 1948. The congregation grew rapidly, and on June 19, 1955, ground was broken for an addition that would double the size of the physical plant. By the fall of 1959 the congregation had grown to 440 members, and the new facilities were being utilized.