History of Christ Lutheran Church

1890’s                         * Germans who had been living in Russia arrive in Walla Walla

1896                                * Twenty-seven individuals leave Emmanuel Lutheran to form Christ 

    Lutheran.

                        * First building dedicated Dec. 1896 at 140 West Maple Street

                        * Shared a pastor with Emmanuel Lutheran.

1904                * Larger church built on the original site.

1912                * Christ Lutheran called their pastor in 1913, Rev. Carl Wellsandt.

1913                * First Parsonage is built at 136 West Maple.

                        * Basement constructed under the church

                        * Over 200 children in Sunday School

1921                * Twenty-five voting members leave and form “Peace Evangelical Church”

1923                * English Services on Sunday evenings began

1942                * English becomes the official language at Morning services.

                        * German services move to evening times.

1945                * Pipe organ was purchased to replace the old pump organ

1946                * Rev. Art Becker celebrates Christ Lutheran’s 50^th. Anniversary

1952                * Land is purchased at 1420 South Second (2 Acres) for new church site.

1953                * Ground breaking takes place on Nov. 11^th. 

1954                * Dedication of new church takes place on August 1^st.

                        * Maple Street church is still in use today by the WW Four Square church.

1955                * A parsonage is built next to the church.

1956                * A second service is added on Sunday mornings

1961                * Additional Land is purchased for parking and future expansion

                        * Stained glass window over the altar dedicated.

1970                * Six stained glass windows on the south wall are dedicated

1971                * 75^th. Anniversary is celebrated.

                        * Rev. Al Wagner conducts last German service

1980                * New addition dedicated (narthex, offices, nursery, library and rest rooms)

1987                * Pastor, Bob McCoy begins ministry at Christ.

1988                * Christ Lutheran becomes part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

1991                * Dedication of three stained glass windows on north wall of sanctuary

1995

                        * Ground breaking for new addition

1996                * New Rodgers Pipe Organ dedicated

1996                                * October 27^th. Rev. Art Becker, Rev. Robert McCoy, Rev. Ken Carlson and Bishop Robert           

                          Keller celebrate Christ’s 100^th anniversary. (Rev. Art Becker was the pastor at the 50^th.Aniv.)

* Dedication of the new addition. (Education wing with 10 classrooms, and an enlarged and          

   remodeled kitchen fellowship hall.

1999                * Altar & sanctuary remodel completed.                      

 January 04--June 05  
                        Interim Pastors Tom Hiller and Ron Shipman served

November 05    Pastor Joel Ley began his ministry in this place.

Christ Lutheran has been served by 22 pastors in its 113 years in Walla Walla.

We are very proud of our 113 years serving the people of the Walla Walla area and look forward to being of service into the next century.