The Elim Lutheran Church congregation in Hockinson has become a staple for Hockinson events and now will celebrate its 140-year milestone this year.
The congregation was founded on March 22, 1884, in a log house of Ambrosious Hokanson. The first church building was built in 1893 and dedicated in 1899, according to the 125-year anniversary booklet for the church.
In 1884, Rev. L.O. Lindh moved to the area from Minnesota. According to the anniversary booklet, Lindh gathered Swedish-speaking community members in homes and school houses for Christian worship. Later, Hokanson donated land for the congregation to build an official church building.
In 1907, a church tower with a bell was added to the 1893 building. It was said that the bell could be heard for miles. John Larson, who installed the church bell, received $3 for his work, the booklet states.
As the congregation grew over the years, it remained a vital part of Hockinson’s community with a new building overlooking the small community of Hockinson added in 1952.
In later years, the congregation hosted many activities in the small east Clark County community, including Hockinson Fun Days.
“Our side hill has kind of turned into a gathering place, and we make pulled pork sandwiches up on top of the hill here for people that are hungry,” Pastor Steve Smeback said of the event. “They have classic cars down on the field below, and we’re right at the main intersection here, so we are an integral part of the community itself.”
At one time, the church even served as the Hockinson post office, Smeback added.
He said he is proud to lead an important part of the Hockinson community, which he said offers a high quality of life, education and safety.
“It’s a landmark congregation, and it has had a presence in this community for over a century,” Smeback said of the church. “It lends stability and security to the people involved and to the area itself.”
Elim Lutheran Church is located at 15815 NE 182nd Ave. in Hockinson. Visit its Facebook page by searching for Elim Lutheran Church AALC.
