Welcome to Ascension Lutheran Church!

The first Pastor of the new congregation was Rev. Lowell Smestad who, accompanied by his family, arrived on July 1, 1957. He was aided in his efforts by parish lay worker Ruth Zacher, who began canvassing the community for prospective members.

1957 - September 8, 1957, the first church service was held in the VFW building with 30 people attending. Thirteen children attended the first Sunday School on the 15th, also in the VFW building. Confirmation classes, to include instruction in the Bible and in Luther’s Small Catechism, started on September 21 and continued weekly throughout the school year. An advertisement in the Clearwater Tribune said "Lutheran Service in New Church Sunday– 9:30 a.m.–Sunday school will be held at the VFW Building. There are classes for all between the ages of 3 and 13. 11:00 a.m.–Divine Worship at the VFW Building. "The Spirit and the Bride say, ‘Come’, and let him who thirsts say ‘Come.’ And let him who desires take the water of life without price." (Rev. 22-17.) A 10-week adult instruction class to prepare participants for membership in the Lutheran Church was organized for that same week."

"Sunday October 6, the new house of worship will be used for the first time. Sunday School will meet at the new Riverside church building at 9:45 a.m. and worship services will be held at 11:00 a.m. L. H. Smestad, Pastor of the congregation, will speak on the topic, "Life Begins With Christ." A large attendance is expected at each event. To assist in Sunday School and worship services, a Lowry two-manual electronic organ will be used, recently donated by an interested party. In order to prepare the church building for occupancy, a general clean-up day is to be held Saturday, October 5. Volunteers will be coming at 10:00 a.m. and at 1:00 p.m., said Rev. Smestad. " 44 people attended worship.

Much finish work, landscaping, and clean up remained to be done. The new members were quick to donate the many things needed to furnish the new church. Metal folding chairs adorned the sanctuary.

1958 - In February Pastor Smestad directed a newly organized ladies chorus, Ascension hosted the World Day of Prayer service, and midweek Lenten Services, Maundy Thursday Holy Communion service was held, and the April 6th Easter Sunday worship was well attended. April 13, 1958 Dr. R. A. Daehlin, President of the Rocky Mountain District of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, took part in the dedication services.

1959 - From November 1959 to June 1960 the worship services of the parish were conducted by a lay person–-Roger Larson of Pullman, Washington. Mr. Larson was an instructor at Washington State University and Camp Director for Camp Easter Seal for Crippled Children during the summer. Every Sunday, for the months we did not have a regular pastor, Mr. Larson led worship at Kamiah and then Orofino, making the round trip from Pullman.

1960 - In May of 1960 Pastor Tom Housholder accepted a Letter of Call to serve the Orofino-Kamiah Parish. Pastor Housholder came to serve in June after his graduation from seminary. Luther League formed as well as active sponsorship of a Boy Scout troop. There was special emphasis on Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and confirmation.

1961 - In September 1961 the Graduation Exercises for the Student Practical Nurses of Clearwater Valley Hospital were held at Ascension Lutheran Church. The Invocation and address to graduates was given by Rev. Housholder, presentation of caps and pins by Laurella Miller, RN, Director of Nursing Education, and Lighting of the Candles by Alpha Bening R.N., Director of Nursing Service. Both Miller and Bening were Ascension Lutheran charter members.

We became part of North Pacific District instead of Rocky Mountain District in 1961.

1962 - Pastor Housholder served the two-point parish until March 12, 1962 when the two congregations were separated. Pastor Housholder was retained the pastor for Ascension Lutheran and a new minister was called for Kamiah. The total monthly offering in March 1962 was $405.37

1964 - In July 1964 Pastor Housholder resigned to accept a Letter of Call to Kellogg, Idaho.

The 2-point parish with Faith Lutheran in Kamiah was reinstated in 1964. Our national church changed from Evangelical Lutheran Church to American Lutheran Church under the merger of several Lutheran Synods. Rev. Richard O. Consear accepted the call to Ascension in September 1964. We started using the Service Book and Hymnal ("the red book"). Guitar music was introduced in worship. The church records indicate we have 121 confirmed members and 234 baptized members. Past Presidents have been: Pastor Smestad, Wes Pishl, Carl Finke, Louis Wilson, Vernon Ehlinger, Sharrel McCrery, Julian Dahl, Walter Edinger, Cecil Andrus, Eddie Olsen and Dale Pfankuck, Lynn Batterman.

1968 - Myrtle Larson was the sweetheart when traditions begin with our first Sweetheart Banquet. The monthly offering total in March 1968 was $1367.28. At the 10th Anniversary celebration Jack and Janice Dahl said "As you will all probably notice this history is brief and I’m sure several important items have been left out or forgotten. One thing to be mentioned is that a church is not just facts and figures–it is people. People who are willing to work together in the spirit of doing God’s will to increase His kingdom in Orofino and the surrounding area. Thus, we look forward to the coming decade with joy and optimism, confident that God is really using us as the salt and light of His earth. St. Peter put it so well when he says, "You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation...that you may declare the wonderful deeds of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." The Dahl’s report made at the 10th Anniversary celebration showed purchase of the lot below the church for church parking lot, lanscaping church grounds, replacement of bridge to parsonage that was destroyed by 1965 flood. Started having potluck dinners, picnics, the Sweetheart Banquet, and coffee and cookies. "420 members have passed through our church doors since Ascension was started." Pastor Consear leaves Ascension in 1969.

1969 - Rev. Meyer, a retired pastor, served as interim pastor. In October Wendell Stakkestad accepts call to Ascension and Faith. The worn and weary metal folding chairs were retired, to no one's regret. Beautiful upholstered wooden pews adorned the sanctuary. A few stalwart members undertook the "pew project" and, although lacking full support from the congregation, the task was completed and Ascension’s attractiveness and its people’s comfort was greatly enhanced. Lay readers and folk services introduced. Under Pr. Stakkestad’s leadership the community FISH program was organized.

1970 - 1972 The wall between the sanctuary and fellowship hall was removed for space utility. Outreach programs were started.

1973 - Long past due financial obligations to Home Missions prompted the formulation and activation of a debt retirement program.

1974 - Five year loan certificates were issued to members and friends of Ascension. Home Mission Board approved the program and in October the first mortgage was burned in celebration of financial independence.

1975 - Rev. Stakkestad leaves for new church in Kirkland, Washington. Rev. Ray Nichols was our interim pastor. While here he spear-headed a community endeavor to sponsor a Vietnamese family in Orofino.

1976 - 1977 Obert Lansverk accepted our call to the Orofino-Kamiah parish. Marge Johnson started volunteering as secretary in the office. Pr. Lansverk started the Men’s Bible Study breakfast at the Ponderosa in 1977 (which continues today). We began worshiping in the Lutheran Book of Worship (the "green book") singing the psalms, and having lay worship assistants. The nave and altar area were carpeted.

1978 - Celebrated 20th Anniversary in April. The church property perimeter was marked and aesthetically enhanced by planting trees and shrubs donated by members. A fence was erected on the east property line of the parsonage. The choir gathered numbers and provided a beautiful addition to Sunday worship.

1979 - The due date of the 5-year loan certificates program arrived. Although total retirement of the program was not met, a significant step forward was made toward self-sufficiency.

1980 - In August Rev. Landsverk accepted call to Oregon. In September William Moos and Mark Samuelson, pastors at St. John’s at Nezperce and Good Hope at Gifford, served as interim pastors.

1981 - In January the 4-point Clearwater Lutheran Parish formed: Ascension, Faith at Kamiah, Good Hope at Gifford, and St. John’s at Nezperce, served by Pastors Moos and Samuelson. Pastors were installed by Rev. Richard Nieman, Assistant to the Bishop. Pastor Bill resided at Nezperce and Pastor Mark at Gifford. Marge Johnson was hired as the Parish secretary. In January 1981 Joyce Larson became the first woman to serve as president of the church and council . In June Richard Evenson, our first parish intern, arrived.

1982 - In May Richard Evenson completed his service. Summer intern Richard Thompson arrived from San Antonio, Texas in June. Intern Joan LaFournaise, the first woman intern in the Parish, arrived in August. Joan lived in Kamiah. A special committee on energy conservation was organized. Storm windows were installed. Air ducts in sanctuary were started to accomodate the ‘heat pump’ system to be installed in 1983. Funds and labor were provided by our membership. The new Parish organization offered us a new dimension and opportunity for Christian growth and interaction. The spiritual and fellowship growth and strength was greatly enhanced through God’s new disciples for the Parish. Ascension Lutheran Church Women (ALCW) made lap robes for the nursing home, tied quilts for Fish, donated soap to Lutheran World Relief (LWR), held a successful rummage slae, made a large donation to the church and sponsored the Thanks(giving) Stewardship dinner.

1983 - In April Pastor Bill Moos accepts a call to Oregon. Diane Hastings serves as interim pastor. Rev. Ole Gunderson accepts call to the Clearwater Lutheran Parish and is installed in August at St. John’s Lutheran church in Nezperce by Rev. Robert Quello, President of the Palouse Conference. Intern Joan completes her service in August. Ascension marks 25th Anniversary celebration in September. Heat pumps installed.

1984 - Hans Nordmark serves as interim pastor arriving in October.

1985 - Good fellowship at the Lenten soup & bread suppers. Pastor Mark Brandt arrives.

1986 - The Church debt is paid off! Lay Renewal held. ALCW holds 1st retreat @ St. Gertrudes.

1987 - Jan Holzer directed choir in Easter Cantata "Come See the Place!" Choir leads Chicago Folk Service worship in parish churches. The Outreach group reorganizes.

1988 - Intern Peter Satran arrives. Outreach organizes lay hospital calls. ALCW sponsors Lutherhaven camperships for youth. Starts selling Norske Dogs at the Patchwork Bazaar.

1989 - The Educational Unit building project started and 90% completed with all work done by our own people. Intern Laurie Berman Engesser arrives.

1990 - In May Pastor Ole Gunderson leaves for Spokane. Intern Viking Dietrich with us, as well as summer intern John Hergert. Sunday School addition dedicated. Pastor Dan Gregerson accepts call in fall. Youth take part in Souper Bowl of Caring.

1991 - Intern Austin Grey arrived. Pastor Gregeron resigned in October and left for Montana. ALCW sponsors Women’s Companion Dinner and Thanks(giving) Stewardship Dinner.

1992 - Seventy students attended VBS (Methodist Church co-sponsored), the church sponsored a booth at the County Fair, we continued taking sermon tapes to people unable to attend worship, youth held another successful Spaghetti Feed and raised money for a recreation area, 4 youth were confirmed, women tied 17 LWR quilts and sent a large donation to LWR, we developed our Mission Statement, much needed work was done on the parsonage and church. Together we prayed, worked, studied, rejoiced and sorrowed. In July Mark Brandt resigned to attend graduate school. Interim Pastors John Blom kept things together as our interim pastor, aided by Pastor Bob Peterson and much help from Marge Johnson. We welcomed our new clergy – with installation of Pastor Althea Sondahl in September and Sean Callaghan in October.

1993 - Pastor LaMunyon leads "Open All the Doors", Parish youth hold ski retreat at Brundage Mountain. Sweetheart Banquet had new vocal trio: Doug, Wayne and Dick. The School district rents classrooms for student use. New roof installed on south side. New storeroom behind church completed. 70 youth attended VBS. Sunday School gave $316 to missions. Held 35th Anniversary celebration in September. Four Thanksgiving and eight Christmas food baskets given to families in need along with Christmas gifts. Marge Johnson retired as Parish secretary.

1994 - The Outreach group sponsored a home fix-up project that included providing a heating system. Lutheran classes conducted by George and Karen Sonray. We welcomed Bishop Mwambungo and his wife. VBS attended by 70 young people and co-sponsored by Methodist Church with offering sent to the Babyfold at the Old Mutare Hospital in Africa. Gathered to praise each Sunday before worship. Youth ministry and education raining workshop held. Held Friendship Sunday and Rally Day. .

1995 - VBS 90 students, school supplies provided for needy kids, Bibles given along with food in the Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas food baskets.

1996 - Intern Jason Gackle arrives. Remodeled and enlarged kitchen completed. Bishop Mwambungu spends summer in parish. Community Thanksgiving worship with Methodist Church, started holding Hymn Sings @ Care Center.

1997 - Youth held a Spaghetti Feed and Auction fundraiser with entertainment by OHS Jazz band. VBS attended by 87 youth. Pastor Jeff, Mark/Joanne Brandt and Dick/Deb Haveman taught 6-week class for community "Understanding Your Teenager". Pastor Ingebjorg Laugaland arrives in parish in October.

1998 - Recipient of $1000 Churchwide accessibility award.

1999 - Light of Christ liturgy in WOV used for first time. 90 youth attended VBS.

2000 - Prayer workshop led by Sr. Lillian. Lutherhaven Day Camp attendance nears 100 youth. ALCW beautification project started, high ceiling in worship area and fellowship room painted. Cement area for narthex addition poured. Pastor Althea Sondahl left parish.

2001 - Wider sidewalks poured

2002 - Spring - Pastor Jeff called to Longview,WA and Pastor Laugaland called to her native Norway. In June Pastor Bob Stone arrives. Pastor Tom Hughes interim pastor at Nezperce. Alpha classes held several times. The narthex was completed. New ceiling and lighting in hallway, new carpets in fellowship hall, narthex and sanctuary. Memorial funds added blown glass windows, tile for front entry, new lightweight tables, new benches for narthex, 12' artificial Christmas tree, and new piano. ALCW donated $8000 from successful yard sales over past years to beautification project.

2003 - 36 quilts were made for LWR. Sale of property on north and west boundary because of encroachment. Special gift of $16,000 received from member. Becky Vaage held a class on Lutheran faith. In December we bid farewell to Interim Pastor Tom Hughes and welcomed Interim Pastor Jason Gackle. Started the addition of the storage/classroom off fellowship hall. First part of sexuality study completed. Pumpkin carving party held. Hosted community as part of the Christmas Home Tour. St. John’s Lutheran Church at Nezperce withdrew from the Clearwater Lutheran Parish on August 1, 2003.

2004 - The Women’s bathroom was remodeled. Continued annual outreach event taking Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas food boxes and Christmas presents to 17 families. Started sending the monthly collection of food to Faith Lutheran Food Pantry in Pierce. Memorial trees planted. Published a new Parish Pictorial Directory. We bid Pastor Jason farewell and in September welcomed Pastor Janice Kelly who will serve Good Hope 3/4 time and Ascension 1/4 time. Pastor Stone will serve Kamiah ½ time and Ascension ½ time. Pastor Bob Stone and Deb Haveman team teach Confirmation youth. The youth Sunday School Heifer project fund went over $1000 mark. Ascension Lutheran Church Women held their annual Christmas Dinner Program, ending the evening with Holden Evening Prayer.

2005 - Bible studies include Men’s breakfast study, Women’s breakfast study, and Wednesday morning bible study. Pastor Bob accepts call to serve Lutheran Church in Caldwell. Tammy Heimgartner, Good Hope member, started studies in TEEM program. Background checks started for all working with youth. Lutherhaven Day Camp had almost 80 youth attending. Little Lambs choir under direction of Jodi Walker sang for worship. Youth Band under the direction of Kathy Pence and Daphne Faler provided music at worship. Won 1st place ribbon @ Lumberjack County Fair booth "Hooked on Clearwater County, Hooked on God". Bible Knowledge Bowl held in the spring. ALCW projects included 1) purchased new padded chairs for church, 2) sent $300 to aid earthquake victims in Pakistan, 3) completed renovation of the men’s restroom, 4) held beautifully decorated Christmas dinner program with Scandinavian delicacies followed by carols and Holden Evening Prayer, 5) quilts, clothing, health, school and layette kits (200 #) sent to LWR. Christmas Sunday School program included little ones through high school.

2006 - Interim Pastor Roger Bruggink and wife, Lee, arrived in January and helped guide us until September. We held our first Outdoor Worship at the Pink House Campground. Much needed work was completed on parsonage. We welcomed Pastor Matthew Manz, wife Anne and daughters Leah and Kelly, and then in December welcomed infant son Adam Oscar. The Christmas SS program included little ones through high school + singing women’s singing group Weekly Bible Study groups continue: Men’s Breakfast study, Women’s Breakfast study, Wednesday morning Study. Emphasis on Reclaiming the Great Commission with study of Manna and Mercy.

2008 - Beginning in the late fall of 2007, all three churches of the Clearwater Lutheran Parish began discussing the future of their organization together. In January 2008, each church congregation voted separately to withdraw from the Parish effective Aprl 1, 2008. At that time, Pastor Janice Kelly was retained to serve Good Hope Lutheran in Gifford, and Pastor Matthew Manz continued serving Ascension in Orofino and Faith in Kamiah.

We held the successful "1st annual Sausage Feed." Club 56 for 5th and 6th grade boys continues.

We celebrated our 50th Anniversary on July 19 and 20, and to quote from "A Feast in Paradise", our newly published recipe book, "We thank God for the people we’ve known, that 'great cloud of witnesses' who have contributed to our lives, our faith and our encounters with God." We look forward to continued ministry in Orofino and in the Clearwater Valley. God is here and all are welcome!