SNOHOMISH — Good Shepherd Lutheran Church is turning a century old this year. Tom Rohde, the church’s pastor of the last 25 years, wonders how the congregation in the middle of farmland northwest of Snohomish has lasted for a century.
“It’s somewhat a miracle that we are still here,” Rohde said Friday.
Maybe people like the church of 165 people because it’s small, Rohde said. Or maybe the church’s rural setting reminds people of their roots.
Whatever the reason, families continue to come to the church from Sultan, Monroe, Everett and other parts of Snohomish County, Rohde said. This year, the church is planning to do many activities to celebrate its centennial with the community.
This month, the church is collecting 100 teddy bears to donate to children through local fire and police departments, said Rohde, 51. Later it will be collecting 100 sheets of postage stamps to give to people who have their loved ones overseas with the U.S. military force. In the summer, the church plans to have carnival games for the public.
“The idea behind doing these activities is to celebrate our place in this community with the community,” he said.
In 1908, nine Norwegian families created a church, meeting at one of their homes. The church was originally called Oslo Lutheran Church. After one of the families donated a piece of property, the first church building went up in 1916 across the street from Swan’s Trail elementary school.
Sermons used to be conducted in Norwegian, said Ada Haug, 91. She’s been a member of the church since her family moved to Snohomish in 1924. Children went to the same school and socialized at the church, Haug said.
“Same as eating,” Haug said. “You don’t question whether to eat today. You take it for granted. We never asked whether to go to church on Sunday.”
In 1965, the church moved into a new building. Now it operates in the same building renovated in 2004, Rohde said.
The congregation may grow in the future, Rohde said. But its goals will be the same.
“It’s not about numbers,” he said. “It’s not about how many people. It’s about having people committed to our mission. That is to welcome all the people.”
Celebrations planned
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Snohomish is turning 100 years old this year. It plans many activities to celebrate its birthday with the public, including holding summer carnival games and donating postage stamps and teddy bears. The church is at 5511 64th St. SE near Snohomish. For more information, call the church at 425-334-1220.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
