This congregation’s initial service was held on February 28, 1954. Pastors from Centralia and Kelso conducted services following that date in the Fissel Funeral Chapel. A Sunday school was opened October 24, 1954. In early 1955 sixty-five persons decided to build a church with volunteer labor, and on September 1, the first service was conducted in the new building. For a time, Central pastors preached at churches in Elbe, Randle and Packwood. Vacation Church Schools were conducted in the communities of Mineral, Elbe and Randle. During the late 1960s the membership declined due to shifting population and internal conflicts. Because of dwindling financial strength the congregation was served by part-time and retired pastors. In 1979 the church called a full-time pastor. Financial assistance was required from the LCA for several years. In a span of four years the congregation doubled its membership, tripled its attendance and more than tripled its contributions. In January of 1984 the church became self-supporting.
From the guide to the Central Lutheran Church, Morton, Washington, Records, 1955-2012, (Pacific Lutheran University)
