Gloria Dei Lutheran Church (Kelso, Wash.)

By 1947 it was evident that Kelso needed a Lutheran church. There was already a Sunday School. Rev. Roderick was called and an “old house” was purchased-parsonage upstairs and chapel downstairs. More than 120 people came to the first service in the “old house” on January 14, 1948. Fifty-nine were in the Sunday School. On charter Sunday (June, 1948), 144 adults signed the charter. Five years later, a new church was built. In 1967 new education facilities were added, the members providing most of the work. Growth in all areas has been consistent. Commitment to a strong worship life prompted the church in 1977 to install a 36 rank organ.

From the guide to the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Kelso, Washington, Records, 1948-2012, (Pacific Lutheran University)