In the early 1890’s many Scandinavian families who lived on both sides of the Columbia River had established a Lutheran congregation in the Skamania area. Services were held in homes and the people traveled many miles by rowboat or wagon, and the pastor came from Vancouver or Portland by steamboat. Services were held in Norwegian until 1916, when it was decided to have services in English half of the time. A church was erected in 1916. By 1924 services had ceased.
The American Lutheran Church began to serve the area when World War II brought many people there. The congregation organized on May 15th, 1955. Pastors came from Camas, The Dalles, Vancouver, and Portland. The old church was rebuilt and enlarged. By 1960, the congregation was looking for a new building. Property was purchased, the old church sold, and a new church built. The service of entry was held in April of 1965 (Palm Sunday), with dedication on May 8, 1965.
From the guide to the Scandinavian Lutheran Church Records, 1890-1965, (Pacific Lutheran University)
