In 1943, a canvass was made of the Garden Home, Maplewood and Multnomah area to determine the need for a Lutheran church. Under the direction and support of the former Norwegian Lutheran Church Home Mission Board, a Mission congregation was formed. The first service was held October 24, 1943. The name of St. Luke Lutheran Church was selected in December of 1943, and on May 21, 1944 a constitution was adopted. A lot was purchased in 1944 at SW 45th and Garden Home Road. A chapel was erected, and the first service there was held January 17, 1945 with dedication following on March 11. In November of 1946 the parsonage at 8501 SW 41st Avenue was purchased, and by Christmas of that year an annex had been added to the church to accommodate the growing Sunday School. In 1952 the property adjoining the church was purchased. The original parsonage was sold and a new one built on the south end of the new lot. In 1955, an educational unit was added to the annex. The following year a house and a lot adjoining the church to the south were purchased to be used for the Sunday School. In October of 1956 fund raising began for the present church. In the fall of 1957 the present site was purchased. Groundbreaking was held in February of 1960.
From the guide to the St. Luke Lutheran Church, Portland, Oregon, Records, 1943-2012, (Pacific Lutheran University)
