First Lutheran Church was established in Bothell in 1886, three years prior to Washington being granted statehood. Eight families started the new Lutheran congregation, and they named it Norwegian Danish Evangelical Lutheran Molde Congregation, of King County, Washington Territory.

Up until 1923, services were conducted in Norwegian. In 1924 the congregation voted to speak English, and in 1929 the congregation ratified the motion to accept First Lutheran Church​ as our official name.

For the first 25 years, pastors not only preached, but they often served as Sunday school teachers and led different youth and women's groups. Today we have a full time pastor, a Youth Discipleship Ministries Director, a Music Ministry Program, two office staff, and many volunteers that continue our congregation's work for Christ.

Currently, we adapt many of our organizations and activities to changing lifestyles, but we continue to share the traditional faith and beliefs of early pioneers. As Ambassadors for Christ we pray that we may intensify that faith and loving service for generations to come.