Rev. Wesley D. Tollefson came to the Maple Valley area to establish a congregation in August of 1972. The church was officially organized the following December and accepted into the North Pacific District of the ALC. The first worship service was held on September 10, 1972 in the cafeteria of the Tahoma Junior High School. The congregation continued to worship there until 1978 when they moved into their own facility. Property had been purchased in 1973, and construction began in January of 1976. The building was constructed almost entirely by volunteer help from friends and members of the congregation.
From the guide to the Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, Maple Valley, Washington, Records, 1972-2012, (Pacific Lutheran University)
