Ascension Lutheran Church (Orofino, Idaho)

The groundwork for Ascension Lutheran church was begun in February of 1956. Rev. Lowell Smestad arrived in the summer of 1957 and held services in the V.F.W. building in Orofino until the church was finished in the fall. On April 13, 1958 the official organizational meeting was held, forming the congregation and adopting the constitution. The church was officially dedicated on May 4, 1958. In 1961 Ascension transferred from the Rocky Mountain District to the North Pacific District. In 1964, Ascension changed from the Evangelical Lutheran Church to American Lutheran Church as a result of the synodical merger. In 1981, Ascension joined Good Hope of Gifford, Faith of Kamiah, and St. John’s of Nezperce to become the Clearwater Lutheran Parish.

From the guide to the Ascension Lutheran Church, Orofino, Idaho, Records, 1958-2012, (Pacific Lutheran University)