Messiah Lutheran Church (Vancouver, Wash.)

In December of 1956, 129 people met in the Lake Shore School of Vancouver for their first worship service. A pulpit had been borrowed, and a portable altar and railing formed the chancel on the stage. On February 3, 1957, Messiah Lutheran was organized with 121 members. Three months later ground was broken for the chapel and education unit on Lakeshore Avenue and 9th. This unit was dedicated on November 10, 1957. The educational wing was completed and dedicated in 1966. Ten years later another unit consisting of a new sanctuary (seating 300), narthex area, full basement, and suite of offices was completed, with dedication taking place on September 12, 1976. As of 1985, the membership at Messiah was near 900 with two full-time pastors and a visitation pastor on the staff.