First Lutheran Church (Sandpoint, Idaho)

First Lutheran was formally organized on October 26, 1905 under the direction of Rev. A. M. Skindlov, who later became president of the Rocky Mountain District.

The first church was built in 1906 at the corner of 5th and Alder, and in 1917 it was razed to make way for a second and much larger church. This church was badly damaged by fire in 1924, but was rebuilt and used until 1960 when it was sold to the Free Methodist Church. The present building was dedicated in 1961.

In 1979 an assistant pastor was called whose work also included serving as regular pastor for the congregation in nearby Clark Fork. At that time Clark Fork became a part of the parish with full membership in the ALC. In 1980 the congregation sponsored a refugee family from Asia.

From the guide to the First Lutheran Church, Sandpoint, Idaho, Records, 1905-2012, (Pacific Lutheran University)