Christ Lutheran Church celebrates 100 years

Christ Lutheran Church in Libby is preparing for a celebration to mark 100 years of the deep-rooted Scandinavian and Norwegian history behind its doors.

The church, originally named Scandinavian Lutheran Church, opened its doors in Libby in the fall of 1914. Reverend Skindlov, who served as a reverend in Bonners Ferry, responded to a request from Serina Knudson to baptize her son Karl in 1913.

Because Knudson and other immigrants wanted a church in Libby,  reverend  Skindlov met with a group of women and told them he would come once a month to the Knudson home and hold an afternoon and evening service in Norwegian if they would raise the money to cover his expenses.

The following year, on Sept. 8, 1914, Reverend Skindlov came to the Knudson home and called the Scandinavian Lutheran Church Ladies Aid for the first church service.

In October of 1922, the congregation purchased a building on 1207 Utah Avenue, which is the former Hidden Chapel.

In 1925 the name of the church changed from Scandinavian Lutheran Church to First Lutheran Church.

The First Lutheran Church became a part of the American Lutheran Church in 1960. When the congregation began building the current building on 200 West Larch Street in the 1960s, the name of the church changed once more to the Christ Lutheran Church as there were many symbols of Christ in the new sanctuary.

Carlene Erlandson is a lifetime member of the Christ Lutheran Church. She joined the congregation in Libby 57 years ago. She is now an active member in the church committee.

“The church is full of very caring people, and the doors are always open to anyone who wants to worship with us,” Erlandson said. “It is very secure to be a part of this congregation. They are my family.”

Committee member Martha Jewel has been a member of the church since 1960. She said she remembers a time, during the height of the Libby Dam construction, when 100 kids would attend Bible school.

“One of the biggest changes over the years is that there are not very many young families in Libby anymore,” Jewel said. “That and the move into the new building were some of the most significant changes.”

One aspect of the Christ Lutheran Church that has remained constant during its history is the level of community involvement. Congregation member, Susie Rice, joined the church in 1977. Rice said members from the Christ Lutheran Church can be found in all parts of the community.

“One thing that I love about this church is that we have a very strong and vibrant congregation with a real servant heart,” Rice said.

Jewel said members of the church are involved with many parts of the community including with the thrift store, Habitat for Humanity, Nordicfest, the food pantry, the blood drive and more.

The Christ Kitchen is one of the major outreach programs provided by the Christ Lutheran Church. The church serves a free community dinner during the last week of every month, and has been doing so for 10 years.

“The church is my family,” Jewel said. “Even though we all come from different political beliefs, we all come together and serve Jesus Christ because of his love and forgiveness.”

Christ Lutheran Church will host a special gathering on Sept. 6 and 7 in celebration of the 100th anniversary and the arrival of the new pastor. The event begins at 2 p.m. Sept. 6 with a meet and greet at the former First Lutheran Church building at 1207 Utah Avenue, followed by a sit-down dinner at Christ Lutheran Church at 6 p.m.

During the dinner, members will have the opportunity to speak at an open microphone session. The dinner is free of charge, and reservations must be made by Aug. 25.

On Sunday, Sept. 7, the congregation will gather for a celebratory service at 10:30 a.m. Following the service, there will be a reception in the fellowship hall.