The Old Apostolic Lutheran Church of Heisson is requesting a conditional use and site plan review approval to construct 3,498 cemetery plots on its 12.64-acre property in up to 10 phases.
But, this happens to not be the first time that the church has brought the plans to Clark County government. A cemetery request by the Old Apostolic Lutheran Church was rejected in Nov., 2023 by the Clark County Council, according to a request for reconsideration by Clark County Citizens United, Inc. in January 2024.
The Clark County Citizens United, Inc. stated in its 2024 letter that it was clear councilors did not have sufficient information to deny the church's request. The email also lists other church cemeteries in Clark County.
“These graveyards were and are common according to each religion,” Clark County Citizens United, Inc. stated. “They are specific to each church, according to their beliefs, wants and needs. Why this church was singled out is a mystery.”
The request for a cemetery at the site of the Old Apostolic Lutheran Church of Heisson, located at 27300 NE 182nd Avenue near Battle Ground Lake State Park, would not create any new easements with the development. There are no new parking or loading areas proposed in the cemetery development, either.
The proposed cemetery surrounding the current church and parking lot would plat 2,179 adult plots, 663 child plots, and 656 infant plots with an 800-square-foot maintenance shed. The application states that construction is anticipated to begin in spring 2026, once all permits have been obtained.
The 2024 letter to Clark County Councilors by Clark County Citizens United, Inc. lists the benefits of a congregation having its own cemetery.
“Allowing a church to have their own private burial ground, on their own private land, for their own congregation, is common and beneficial to the overall county,” the letter states. “Churches maintain them, eliminating the need for county maintenance. Private graveyards also eliminate the large vehicle processions that occur if the church was forced to use a different cemetery, many miles away. Therefore, it is a public safety issue, as well.”
Clark County Citizens United, Inc. added that the 2023 decision prohibited the free exercise of religion and compromised religious freedom.
A public hearing regarding the Old Apostolic Lutheran Church of Heisson’s cemetery proposal will be conducted on Jan. 22, 2026 at 6 p.m. via Webex, a notice by the county stated. To sign up to testify, contact CommDevOALandUse@clark.wa.gov or by calling 564-397-4911 by noon on Jan. 22, 2026. Testimony by email or in writing must be received by the Community Development department no later than 5 p.m. on Jan. 22, 2026. Participants in the meeting can also connect by phone and do not need internet access, the county stated.
