History

First Lutheran has its roots in the 1930’s when folks in these parts were converting recently logged “stump ranches” into farmlands. It all started when four Lutheran families in Sunnyslope began worshipping in Pastor Abraham Moen’s home. Soon a community hall was built and services were moved.

The four became forty and moved to the more centrally located Port Orchard area soon after. Funds were scarce, but this small congregation managed to raise enough money, $20, to secure an old church building in Brownsville. Lumber from that building was used in the construction of a new church on the corner of Cline and Deklab Streets. The project exemplified the spirit of stewardship present in their efforts.

As the congregation continued to grow, so did the need for more worship and classroom space. In 1967 First Lutheran broke ground on an ambitious new facility on Mitchell Road. It was dedicated a year later and continues to serve us today.

In the 1990’s we again began feeling the “space crunch”. First Lutheran broke ground and built a new $750,000 worship preschool space which opened in the fall of 1993.

Today we are again in the midst of major growth and are now in the process of expanding our facility to a more campus style center. Our new campus already has a new Ministry Center where all our church staff and administration activities are now located. First Lutheran will be throwing a big 75th Anniversary Party in September 2012, everyone will be invited to celebrate with us.

            Pastors of First Lutheran of Port Orchard include:

            Rev Abraham T. Moen................. 1936-1958

            Rev Hamar B. Benson................. 1958-1962

            Rev Neal E. Snider....................... 1963-1969

            Rev Richard E. Edmonds............ 1969-1973

            Rev Daryl D. Daugs..................... 1973-1989

            Rev Sigrid Sandrock.................... 1989-1996

            Rev Allen Cudahy........................ 1989-2008

            Rev Joe Smith (Interim)............... 2008-2011

            Rev Doug Nemitz......................... 2011-2012

            Rev Virgil Wood............................ 1997-Date

            Rev Orville Jacobsen................... 2000-Date

            Rev George Larson...................... 2005-Date