Faith Lutheran Church is a
Lutheran church
Lutheranism is one of the largest branches of Protestantism, identifying primarily with the theology of Martin Luther, the 16th-century German monk and reformer whose efforts to reform the theology and practice of the Catholic Church launched th ...
located in
Junction City in the U.S. state of
Oregon
Oregon () is a U.S. state, state in the Pacific Northwest region of the Western United States. The Columbia River delineates much of Oregon's northern boundary with Washington (state), Washington, while the Snake River delineates much of it ...
. The church was founded in 1902, with the help of
Anders Christian Nielsen
Anders Christian Nielsen (June 30, 1848 – January 16, 1929), known only as A. C. Nielsen, was a real estate speculator in early 20th century Junction City, Oregon. His efforts helped to create a Danish farming community in Lane County, Oregon. T ...
, in the Danish
United Evangelical Lutheran Church
The United Evangelical Lutheran Church (commonly known as the United Church) was one of the many denominations formed when Lutherans came to the United States from Europe. Originally known as the United Danish Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Uni ...
of America synod. The present building was completed in 1908. Church services were conducted in Danish until 1951, when the church language changed to English and the name changed to Faith Lutheran Church of Junction City.
The church was founded in order to promote the philosophy of
N. F. S. Grundtvig
Nikolaj Frederik Severin Grundtvig (; 8 September 1783 – 2 September 1872), most often referred to as N. F. S. Grundtvig, was a Danish pastor, author, poet, philosopher, historian, teacher and politician. He was one of the most influential pe ...
, a Danish cleric who promoted
Christian fundamentalism
Christian fundamentalism, also known as fundamental Christianity or fundamentalist Christianity, is a religious movement emphasizing biblical literalism. In its modern form, it began in the late 19th and early 20th centuries among British and ...
, Danish nationalism, and rural education. The church held lectures and other meetings, gymnastic competitions, and celebrations of Danish holidays. These activities helped to preserve the unique ethnic environment of Junction City.
[The Danish Settlement of Junction City, John Alden Olson, R & E Research Associates, San Francisco, 1975, Chapter Two.]
References
{{coord , 44.219372 , -123.210741 , type:landmark_region:US-OR_source:googelmaps_dim:45 , display=title
Danish-American culture in Oregon
Lutheran churches in Oregon
Buildings and structures in Lane County, Oregon
Junction City, Oregon
1902 establishments in Oregon