Trinity Lutheran Church (Bonners Ferry, Idaho)

In 1907 five Norwegian women organized the Scandinavian Ladies’ Aid in Bonners Ferry. Church services were held in homes when pastors traveled through the area and the Norwegian language was used exclusively. The first full-time pastor was Rev. A. M. Skindflov who came in 1909. A church was built and the first service there was held on Easter Sunday, 1910. During the 1920s on service was held in English and one in Norwegian.

In 1948 the church and parsonage were damaged by floods when the Kootenai River went over its banks. In 1954 land was purchased on the south hill of town and in 1956 dedication ceremonies were held for the first wing of the new church. The new sanctuary was built in 1960, serving the congregation for 24 years.

On June 13, 1984, the sanctuary portion of that building was destroyed by fire. The rebuilding program was launched in June of 1985. At this time the sanctuary was rebuilt, the education wing remodeled, and new Sunday School rooms put in the enlarged basement of the sanctuary.

From the guide to the Trinity Lutheran Church, Bonners Ferry, Idaho, Records, 1911-2012, (Pacific Lutheran University)