Elim Lutheran Church (Port Orchard, Wash.)

At the turn of the century a group of devout men and women, mostly Scandinavian immigrants, pledged to become the Elim Evangelical Lutheran Congregation. Of foremost importance was their deep devotion to God’s Word and to his church, and a firm resolve to bring up their children in God’s way. In November of 1909 the H. J. Segerquist family arrived in Waterman with the 4 year old son who had not been baptized. They contacted Rev. M. L. Larson of Gethsemane (Seattle) who came to baptize their son, and later their daughter. Other pastors came from Gethsemane and held services. Thirty-six adults and 32 children organized the congregation on September 30, 1908. A bell was purchased to be placed in the first church. The acquisition of property and erecting a building took place over a long span of years. Plans began in 1909 and the building was dedicated on September 11, 1932. When Elim built a new church in 1968, the much-loved bell was moved to the new site.

From the guide to the Elim Lutheran Church, Port Orchard, Washington, Records, 1908-2012, (Pacific Lutheran University)