Gethsemane Lutheran Church (Seattle, Wash.)

Seattle’s oldest Lutheran Church, Gethsemane, has steadfastly held to its commitment of service to the city which spawned it. The small Swedish speaking congregation of 26 communicant members soon outgrew the church which missionary Peter Carlson had built “in hope” on 3rd Avenue between Pike and Pine, and by 1901 had built a new church at the present location. Early on, under the leadership of Pastors Larson and Swanson, they were vigorous in helping to establish new Lutheran congregations and service organizations. By 1954 the old church had fulfilled its mission, and new facilities were built.