Central Lutheran Church records and memorabilia

Collection

Identifier: Coll 1154

Scope and Contents

Records and memorabilia of the Central Lutheran Church of Portland, Oregon. Photographs make up the bulk of the collection; they include pictures of confirmation classes from 1924 to 1974 and of the church building at NE 21st Avenue during and immediately after construction. Other materials in the collection include service programs from the 1930s to the 1950s; programs for the Sacred Concert at the 1939 Hollywood Bowl and the 2001 Messiah Sing-a-Long; church bulletins from the 1940s; materials relating to Pastor Jerry Moilien's participation in Preaching-Teaching-Reaching conferences in Wenatchee, Washington, in 1963 and 1964; a list of pastors and other church officers up to 2024; and an undated roster of long-time congregation members.

Dates

Creation: 1924-2024
Creation: Majority of material found within 1924-1974

Creator

Central Lutheran Church (Portland, Or.) (Organization)

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

The Oregon Historical Society owns the materials in the Research Library and makes available reproductions for research, publication, and other uses. The Society does not necessarily hold copyright to all materials in the collections. In some cases, permission for use may require seeking additional authorization from copyright owners.

Historical Note

See more See less

The Central Lutheran Church of Portland, Oregon, was formed in 1924 through the merger of Our Savior's Lutheran Church and Bethlehem Church. Initially, the church held English-language services at NE 10th and Grant and Norwegian-language services at NW 14th and Davis; in 1925, the NW 14th and Davis Church split off from Central Lutheran. In 1926, the church moved to NE Grand and Wasco. From 1949 to 1950, a new church was constructed at NE 21st Avenue and NE Schuyler, and it was dedicated in October 1950. At the time, this new church, designed by architect Pietro Belluschi, was reported to be one of the largest Lutheran churches on the Pacific Coast. In late 2025, the church sold the building to the Portland Youth Philharmonic.

Sources: Item in "Current Events of the Week in Religious Circles," Oregon Journal, September 20, 1924, page 6; "Belluschi Utilizes Glass to Light Church Chancel," Oregonian, October 15, 1949, Section 2, page 2; "$268,000 Central Lutheran Edifice to Be Dedicated," by Ernest W. Peterson, Oregon Journal, page 9; "Nation's oldest youth orchestra buys landmark church," by Janet Eastman, Oregonian, November 20, 2025, page A1; "Stories of God's Faithfulness: History of Central Lutheran Church 1871-2004," by Margaret Moilien, 2007.

Full Extent

0.45 Cubic Feet (1 legal document case)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Records and memorabilia of the Central Lutheran Church of Portland, Oregon. Materials include photographs of confirmation classes and of the church's second building, designed by Pietro Belluschi; church bulletins, service programs, and concert programs; papers relating to Pastor Jerry Moilien's participation in a conference in Wenatchee, Washington; and lists of church pastors, officers, and long-term members.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift of Geraldine White, October 2025 (RL2025-103).

Related Materials

Other materials at the Oregon Historical Society Research Library relating to Central Lutheran Church include architectural drawings in the Pietro Belluschi collection, Coll 2; a pamphlet published for the church's 50th anniversary (call number PAM 284.17911 C397 1974); and a book by Margaret Moilien titled "Stories of God's Faithfulness: History of Central Lutheran Church, 1971-2004" (call number 284.1 M712s).

Processing Information

Collection was processed by Jeffrey A. Hayes in 2026. Photograph albums of confirmation classes were disassembled for preservation purposes. Before disassembly, the albums were photocopied to show original appearance and order.