Elbe Historic Church

About This Business

The Elbe Historic Church, also known as the Elbe Lutheran Church, is a historic landmark situated in the beautiful foothills west of Mount Rainier, in the town of Elbe, Washington. With its rich German heritage, the church bears the name of the Elbe River valley near Hamburg, Germany, from which its founders originated. The church's steeple prominently features the lettering 'Ev. Luth. KIRCHE' (Evangelische Lutherische Kirche), serving as a reminder of its German roots. Since its construction in 1906, the church has been a symbol of peace and tranquility for both residents and tourists. Founded by Heinrich Lutkens, who donated the land and materials, and designed by Pastor Karl Kilian, the church was built by the townspeople themselves. The church still retains many of its original features, including the altar, elevated pulpit, hand-carved pews, and the Farrand & Votey bellows organ, which is still used for worship and weddings. The traditional 'Klingelbeutel' (a small red-velvet bag with a bell on it) is used for taking offerings. The church's historic significance was recognized in 1976 when it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, thanks to the research conducted by Dr. Ervin E. Krebs. Today, the church is open to tourists during the summer and is a popular venue for weddings. Worship services are held at 2:30 p.m. on the third Sunday of the month from March through November. The church relies on donations and the care of volunteers to maintain its historic building. With its simple yet charming architecture, the Elbe Historic Church is a place where 'time meets eternity,' offering a unique and peaceful experience for all who visit. Whether you are looking to attend a worship service, get married in a historic setting, or simply explore a piece of history, the Elbe Historic Church is a must-visit destination.