This congregation is a merger of Central and Grace Lutheran Churches. It was officially organized as a member of the ALC on September 14, 1984. Central, a congregation of the Lutheran Free Church, was organized November 25, 1945, and Grace was a congregation of the ELC organized on April 6, 1949. The Grace site was retained for worship services and other activities after the merger. These activities include senior meals, day care, kindergarten, and pre-school. The Central building is being rented to another congregation and used occasionally by Holy Cross for meetings and so forth. Central Lutheran was started as a mission by the ELC, but after six months financial support was withdrawn, and the pastor moved on. The church voted to continue and Bible studies were held in homes under the direction of Robert Hovland. On November 9, 1950, the congregation became incorporated, and on February 4, 1951, Rev. L. W. Holte came in as full time pastor. Groundbreaking for the first sanctuary was held April 8, 1951, and dedicated followed on April 11, 1965.
From the guide to the Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Salem, Oregon, Records, 1945-2012, (Pacific Lutheran University)
