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We Remember Our Early History
Ascension Lutheran Church was founded under the Home Mission Department of the American Lutheran Church. Pastor Henry E. Ericksen accepted the call to become Pastor of Ascension in February 1959. Pastor and his family moved into the neighborhood, and he began canvassing the community.
During the summer of 1959 a steering committee composed of Herbert Asbury, Melvin Baker, Frederick Pieper, Sydney Syvertson and Irvin Wilson met with Pastor to plan the organization of the church, to draft the constitution and by-laws and prepares for the first worship service which was held on September 25th, 1959 with 108 in attendance. Sunday School opened the following week under direction of Herbert Asbury, the first superintendent.
Dr. Gaylerd Falde, President of the California District, dedicated ascension on November 22, 1959. The young congregation was formally organized on January 6, 1960 with Dr. Falde again presiding. Pastor Ericksen was installed, the constitution and by-laws were adopted and the first church council was elected with Irvin Wilson as the first president of the congregation. The charter membership included 37 families.
The first confirmation was held in May. Vacation Bible School was instituted that summer. The Ascension Lutheran Church Women organized during that first year. The Lutheran League was organized in 1960.
The early church councils realized that the growth of the community and church would present a need for additional education facilities and began planning for them. In 1962 a planning committee was formed with a charter to determine the expansion requirements of the church, and in January 1963 the three-year-old congregation voted to refinance the home mission loan and to proceed with plans for a new education unit. Approval was voted for the purchase of a new organ and pews for the sanctuary, and for expansion of the parking lot.
Groundbreaking was held on November 10 and Dr. Falde, President of the South Pacific District of the American Lutheran Church, dedicated the new building on April 26, 1964.
To make full use of the new education building and to serve he church families and the community, the groundwork was laid in 1964 to start a Preschool. Preschool opened in September 1965 with an enrollment of 43 and a staff of four teachers. Enrollment reached its capacity of 60 by the year’s end.
Recognizing the need for expansion of staff to minister to the still-growing congregation, the church council in 1969 proposed entering into the Internship Program and the congregation concurred with the plan. That summer, the first intern arrived to work with the Ascension youth, which produced an immediate result, the New Life singing group, accompanied by guitar. New Life sang religious folk music at church services and for community groups, concluding its first year with a summer tour to Vancouver, giving performances at churches along the way. Other interns worked with the group as well. The Handbell Choir was formed in 1975.
God has surely blessed us! We have enjoyed the prayers and support of the people of God in many places. Over the years, God has raised up creative leadership and willing servants of Christ in our midst, making possible the Ascension Lutheran of today. People have been touched by the love of God through our programs and activities. We anticipate great things to come as we continue to be faithful to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. To God be the Glory!
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