St. Mark Lutheran Church (Hayden Lake, Idaho)

This congregation was established on May 12, 1971 and funded through a new approach of the ALC whereby the church would match dollar for dollar what the congregation could raise. Other congregations and individuals throughout the Rocky Mountain District were solicited. In all, $50,000 was raised and the first unit was built, being dedicated May 23, 1976. The founding pastor was Gary Gilthvedt, who was pastor at Calvary Lutheran in Post Falls, Idaho. It was a two-point mission until October of 1979 when Gilthvedt accepted a call to full-time pastor at St. Mark’s.

In the spring of 1986 the congregation will be entering into a new relationship with Faith Presbyterian Church. “Hayden United Ministries, Incorporated” is the name of the non-profit organization which has been formed. The two churches will operate as separate church bodies, using their own facilities. A new building is to be started on the present site of St. Mark’s in mid 1986.

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