Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church - Swedesburg, IA - U.S. National Register of Historic Places on Waymarking.com

Organized in 1866, the first Swedish Lutheran services were held at the local school until the first building was constructed two years later. Pastor Hakan Olson from New Sweden provided worship for the growing congregation. When the white frame church was destroyed by fire in 1883, a second wooden building was erected with seating for 500 worshippers. A massive bell hung in the tower and rang every Saturday night to announce the beginning of the “eve of the Lord’s Day.” This tradition has continued throughout the history of the church. That second church, known as the “big white church in the little white town” also burned after a bolt of lightning hit the 110’ steeple. The third and present building was constructed of yellow brick in 1927.

The Swedish language was used in worship until World War I when it was considered more patriotic to use English. Swedesburg Evangelical Lutheran Church is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Street address: 1897 140th St Swedesburg, IA USA County / Borough / Parish: Henry Year listed: 1999 Historic (Areas of) Significance: Architecture/Engineering, Event Periods of significance: 1925-1949 Historic function: Religion Current function: Religion Privately owned?: yes Primary Web Site: [Web Link] Season start / Season finish: Not listed Hours of operation: Not listed Secondary Website 1: Not listed Secondary Website 2: Not listed National Historic Landmark Link: Not listed

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