History

Elim Lutheran History: 1908-2023

Elim Lutheran was named after the place in the desert “where there were twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees: and they camped there by the water.” Exodus 15:27. When the immigrants from European lands came to the Port Orchard area and recalled this verse about Elim in the Bible, they felt their place with the good water and beautiful trees in this Waterman area of Port Orchard were as close as the biblical description of Elim in the desert.

Therefore, they named the church “Elim”. At the turn of the century (1900s), a group of devout men and women pledged their hearts and hands to become the Elim Evangelical Lutheran Congregation. Most of them were immigrants from Scandinavian countries. They brought to this country many admirable traits of industry and good citizenship, but of foremost importance was their deep devotion to God’s Word and to the Church with a firm resolve to bring up their children in God’s way.

On the evening of September 30, 1908, a service of worship was conducted after which a meeting was held for the purpose of organizing. Thirty-four persons committed their desire to become a part of an Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Elim represents one of the great examples in the Pacific Northwest of a committed ministry of lay people. For several decades the work of the church continued without professional leadership. A pastor, or intern, would travel by boat from Seattle to lead worship, teach confirmation, and meet with the people of Elim. This required that the lay people of Elim keep the church alive until the first resident pastor, Rev. Albert Hendrickson arrived during World War II. The 50’s found Elim under the leadership of a “lay” pastor Mr. A. Gronberg. In all, Elim would not exist today, well over 100 years, as a faithful congregation.

The current building of Elim Lutheran Church was built in 1968, across the street from the original church built in the 1930s. Those current members who are still attending Elim today recall the day she and fellow members personally carried the church cross, sacrament items, and all special items across the road to the new church. What a wondrous day!

In 1983, Elim celebrated their 75th Anniversary. And in 2008, a wonderful dinner and celebration took place celebrating 100 years! Blessings abound as Elim continues to celebrate these milestones. In the past few years, as the COVID pandemic created hardships for churches to continue worshiping together in person, Elim did not need to close our doors. We were able to safely social distance, wear masks, and worship God! Such a blessing to have the large sanctuary to spread out!

Elim is a member of the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church of America). We invite you to come visit our church! Following our 9:00 am service, we host a Fellowship Time serving coffee/tea/juice, and delicious snacks. No doubt you will have been welcomed already by an Elim member. We would love to answer any questions you may have. Also, check out the office hours for additional times to meet with Pastor Mike.