History of the Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission

Early History of the Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission

The First Years

The lease for the Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission was signed in 1953 in response to a request by Rock Point community members in collaboration with tribal leaders and Christian missionaries for an organization that would service the spiritual, educational, and social needs of the Rock Point community. At that point, NELM was a little more than two trailers and a small staff with big dreams and high expectations of what could be accomplished with and for the Navajo. The mission staff began by organizing home visits to adequately (and accurately) address the needs of the Navajo.

Many of these visits were done by nurses who volunteered at the Mission during the early years. They treated an average of 150 patients each month for colds, bronchitis, diarrhea, tuberculosis, pneumonia, diabetes, and many other minor conditions. When the clinic was finally set-up in 1953, one nurse saw a total of 1,632 patients in one year and did 38 sick calls to homes in the area!

The first structure built on the Mission housed an examining room, one hospital room for overnight patients, two small apartments, and a space for Chapel services. All of the Mission staff lived in trailers and the staff held open air services, with people interpreting in Navajo for those who came to listen. The very first worship service held in the new structure was on February 28, 1954. Twenty people gathered in the new building, and one month later 45 Navajos were attending the services. The Mission School was built in 1961, where eventually Sunday services came to be held. Soon the school was not big enough to hold the growing congregation, and in 1962, a new chapel was built.

Although Vacation Bible School was held often, and some home schooling had been done previously, in 1956, five students began classes taught by one teacher. As the years went on, the school grew, and by 1959, there were 27 students enrolled at the Rock Point Mission School!

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In 1960, the Mission was incorporated as the Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission. In 1961, the school building was completed and 30 students were enrolled on a continual basis. Eventually a larger school was built and today can house up to 70 students. The old school was transformed into the Mission Office, where it is still housed today. Over the years apartments were added, the maintenance shed enlarged. and one building was converted into a thrift shop, all of which make up the present day Mission.

The Mission has matured since its first years and has learned much from past experiences. Today the Mission has grown into its 5-acre campus. In 2003, NELM celebrated its 50th anniversary by bridging the past and the present.

Area families familiar with the Mission since its inception, students that graduated from the Mission School, and past Executives and members of the Board of Directors all joined together with current students and members to celebrate and reflect on the 50 years of the Mission's (continuing) work.

The history of the first 50 years of the mission, compiled by Fern D. Cole, is available as a 168-page soft cover book. You may download and read a sample of this book (the first three pages).

You may also obtain a complimentary copy by writing the mission and requesting a copy. Please include your return address with your request.