Our History

Silverdale Lutheran Church was formally established in 1949 in the original Log Cabin Church, on what is now Silverdale Way, with 88 members, one pastor, and an annual budget of $4,000. In 1999, there are 1,074 baptized members, two pastors, a staff of nine full and part-time employees, and an approved annual operating budget of over $393,000. A lot has transpired over our 50-year history, but our focus remains the same - worshipping and serving our Lord, Jesus Christ.

The original building, though charming in its own way, had its share of problems, and by 1956, the members had purchased land on the corner of Clear Creek road and Silverdale Way for $8300. By 1959, a new church building was dedicated on the new site. The new building facilitated the ministries of Silverdale Lutheran Church for the next thirty-plus years.

The 1970's were marked by steady growth and devastation. On January 15, 1978, a fire gutted the education wing of the Church and caused heavy smoke damage to the sanctuary. But our members regrouped and quickly restored the building. In 1979, sustained membership growth necessitated the addition of a second worship service. The 1980's saw the face of Silverdale rapidly changing. A Blue Ribbon Committee was formed to study what our mission in the area was to be, and if our location was going to serve that vision. The result was the purchase of five-acres of land, our new home, in the yet undeveloped Ridgetop area above Silverdale. In 1989, the congregation sold the existing Church Facility and property to Kitsap County.

The past 50 years reflect many changes and much growth in SLC. As we look back to our beginnings, we are reminded of the many blessings and opportunities that our church family has received.