The Rev. R. Peter Anderson of North Bend, Wash., a pastor at the First Lutheran Church in Baker City from 1972 to 1985, died Aug. 31, 2007, one week before his 69th birthday.
Peter Anderson was born on Sept. 6, 1938, at Brooklyn, N.Y. He attended schools in New York and graduated from Augustana College at Sioux Falls, S.D., in 1960. He attended Luther Theological Seminary at St. Paul, Minn. He was ordained into the Lutheran ministry and served his first parish at Colville, Wash.
While in Baker City, he played an important part in the work of the Baker Ministerial Association and was instrumental in beginning the combined Lenten services that involved many of the churches.
Many changes took place at First Lutheran Church during his ministry. Lay lectors, both men and women, began actively participating in the worship services, both by reading the scriptures and assisting in the serving of Holy Communion. Women began serving on the church council.
Throughout his ministry he was known for his grace-filled preaching, dedication to inter-Christian fellowship, compassion and care of his parishioners.
Survivors include Nancy, his wife of 44 years; his sons, Douglas Anderson of Klamath Falls, and Gregory Anderson and his wife, Lisa, of Redmond, Wash; his daughter, Mary Anderson of Northfield, Minn.; his three grandsons, Christopher, Matthew and Joshua; his brother, Harry Anderson, and his wife, Evelyn; and nieces and nephews.
The family suggests memorial contributions to Lutheran World Relief, P.O. Box 17061, Baltimore, MD 21298-9832, 800-597-5072. Condolences may be sent to 12702 470th Avenue S.E., North Bend, WA 98045.
Used with permission from: Baker City Herald, Baker City, Oregon, September 6, 2007
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor