Westaker Free Lutheran

Our Story

Westaker was established on February 13, 1887, by a group of immigrant familes who met at the Soren Sorenson home to organize a new church.  They were not yet well established in their homes and farms.  For them, building a new home meant more than a house and a barn.  It meant building a community and especially a community of faith.  They knew that "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God."  So they wanted a place to gather for worship, prayer and fellowship with the people of God.  They wanted a pastor to bring God's word and grace to them, to baptize their children and preside over the confirmation of their faith.  They wanted to receive the body and blood of Christ in the sacrament of the altar.  They wanted God's blessings on their marriages.  They wanted to be reminded of the promise of the ressurection at the funerals of their loved ones. So, they establised a church; they became a church.  The church has been present in this place ever since.  Westaker has been the spiritual home of four or five generations of their children and of others who came later to their community.  It has been an influence for good in the lives of the people of this community, calling people to live lives of faith and nurturing them in that faith.  We thank God for all He has done.   

Pastor Philip Rokke, at the 125th anniversary of Westaker in 2012

A replica of the first Westaker Free Lutheran Church