For a majority of Lutheran immigrants coming from Scandinavia and Germany to the United States, the keeping of their own languages especially for worship and faith instruction was a high priority.  This was true from the 18th century to the early 20th century.  The move toward English was gradual but accelerated largely during and after World War I.  This move also happened in the Eugene area at this time.  There were Lutherans in both Norwegian and Danish area congregations who wanted to make this change.  At the same time, there were more who wanted to keep the original languages even if English was used in worship occasionally.  As a result, members from Trinity Lutheran (now Central Lutheran) and Emmaus Lutheran as well as other Lutherans in the area who wanted to use English exclusively began to meet.  After a number of conversations, those who wanted to use English and were known by at least one church as “diehard progressives” voted to form United Lutheran Church in 1926.  The congregation joined the United Lutheran Church in America.  Since its foundation, United has had a focus on addressing the needs of the community and proclaiming the Gospel.  United’s commitment to youth, education, community, and social justice mark its ministry.  By way of example, United was the first Lutheran congregation in the area to become a Reconciling in Christ congregation by which members of the LBGTQIA+ community have been gladly welcomed.  The congregation also works with people of other faiths to see what God has in store for our community.