Bellingham Bay Lutheran originated on May 2, 1890 with twenty families represented. In January of 1902 the congregation received a loan from the ULC and built a church on the corner of Ellis, Garden and Champion Streets. Zion Norwegian Evangelical was organized in October of 1891. By 1902 the congregation had bought Bellingham Bay’s former church on Grant Street. On July 6, 1917 the two congregations merged to form Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church. During T. J. Norby’s pastorate the name was changed to American Central Lutheran Church. In January of 1956 the present church was completed, the first worship services taking place there on Sunday, February 6, 1956, and dedication following on March 4. The congregation acquired a parsonage at 520 – 14th Street, formerly the Louis Miller home. In 1963 the congregation dedicated a Sunday School and Educational Unit.
From the guide to the Central Lutheran Church, Bellingham, Washington, Records, 1890-2012, (Pacific Lutheran University)
