Our mission statement:
To proclaim, in Christ, God's grace to all, using our heritage and gifts, through discipling, accepting and serving.

History:
The First Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized on April 21, 1901, when twelve persons met with the Rev. F. V. Viereke to establish the "Zion Evangelisch Lutherische Kirche." Incorporating in February 1902, the services were changed from German to English and our sign now reads "First Evangelical Lutheran Church."

In 1904, lots were purchased at the corner of Olive Avenue and Myrtle Street and thus began the Church's first building program. The mortgage was burned four years later. A succession of pastors filled the pulpit over the years, each adding to our history.

The congregation rapidly outgrew the church facilities and a building committee was formed in 1959. In 1960, the congregation purchased the site at Cypress and San Mateo. Ground was broken in July 1964 and a new church was dedicated in September 1966. Construction work was begun on a new educational facility and fellowship hall in January 1973.

The dream of having a children's center and new Sunday Church School rooms became a reality when the First Lutheran Children's Center opened its doors to the community on April 24, 1990. Also at this time the Fellowship Hall and Kitchen were completely remodeled. The original Luther Rose window from the old church at Edwards Mansion was purchased back for our new chapel. After construction was completed, landscaping, including a beautiful rose garden, was added, as was a new lighted sign in front of the church. An addition to the pipe organ was completed in 1988, and the carillon was updated and improved in 1994.

Loving hearts and hands are at work each day at First Lutheran continuing the task started so many years ago by that tiny band of believers.