The first temple of this congregation was built in 1880. Throughout all its years the Gowrie church has been self sustaining and has never been obliged to depend upon mission funds to help carry on its work. It has sensed deeply the obligation to share with others in the support of many missionary and charitable causes at home and abroad. In 1888, the Gowrie Congregation gave up several members by way of transfer. The individuals were to form the nucleus of another outpost of Lutheran faith in the Harcourt area, today known as Faith Lutheran Church. In 1928, the congregation broached the subject of a new church building. After a period of prayerful study, a unanimous vote determined that the structure would be built. The first services were held in March 1931. This congregation has been faithful to the traditions of our Lutheran Church in that it has always been a singing church. Organists, choir directors and choirs have made a rich contribution to the congregational life in providing churchly music and song. The honor of these many years of service to the area is rightly bestowed upon the leaders and clergy we have been so fortunate to call to our church family of 645 members. The measure of a church's service to God and to persons within its scope of influence is the measure of a church's worth.
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