SNOHOMISH — Milestones are important. Whether it’s an odometer on a car turning over or the birthday of a dear friend, milestones matter.
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church recently turned 100 years old, and for pastor Tom Rohde, the next 100 years are just as important as those now past.
“I think we’ll continue to try and be a church that is faithful in our worship of God, continue to be a congregation that continues to serve the needs of the community,” Rohde said. “But there are challenges that a small congregation like ours needs to face.”
The church was established in 1908 by Norwegian immigrants under the name of Oslo Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church, and the services were conducted in Norwegian.
English-language services were eventually introduced every third service, following a congregational vote on the matter.
In 1936, the church name was changed to Swans Trail Lutheran Church. Charlie Swan, a Snohomish resident who lived just off the church’s property, had cut a trail down to the Snohomish River that became very popular, Rohde said. It wasn’t long after the trail was established that a two-room elementary school bearing the same name as the trail was erected nearby.
“We still have people coming to our church who attended Swans Trail Elementary,” Rohde said. “Swans Trail was its own distinct area that produced a lot of pride in those who lived there.”
In the early 1960s the church underwent yet another name change, this time to Good Shepherd.
“I don’t know why they changed the name; perhaps a Biblical reference sounded better than a geographical location,” Rohde said. “But people still call it Good Shepherd at Swans Trail. Sometimes I do, too.”
The church played a pivotal role in the community in 1975, a flood year that saw many families homeless and without food and water. The flooding was so bad that supplies had to be airlifted in.
“The fog was very thick and it made it very difficult for the helicopters to land, delivering their loads of food and water,” Rohde said. “Back then we had a large wooden cross that was backlit and would shine through the fog. The helicopter pilots used it to lead them in.”
To Rodhe, that’s what Good Shepherd Lutheran Church still is: a light in the darkness for people who need help.
“Dedicated community service for a hundred years is what marks us as a congregation,” Rohde said. “Our ministry isn’t about our size, it’s about providing for the community in a very tangible way.”
That dedication to the community culminated in a proclamation by County Executive Aaron Reardon recognizing the church’s century of service.
“I think our future looks bright because of the faithfulness of the people,” Rohde said. “We will carry on our ministry, whatever it may be.”
Reporter Justin Arnold: 425-339-3432 or jarnold@heraldnet.com.
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