Eidsvold-Svea

On our church bell, that used to call us to Sabbath rest on Saturday evenings is inscribed Psalm 100:4-5.

The engraving is in Swedish but the English reads:

Enter his gates with thanksgiving

And His courts with praise

Give thanks to Him, Bless His name!

For the Lord is good, His steadfast

love endures forever and His

faithfulness lasts for all generations.

 

The Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Svea Congregation in Pierce County was organized March 18, 1875 by 33 charter members; 3 trustees and 4 deacons elected and sought membership in the Augustana Synod. The congregation was comprised completely of Swedish immigrants.

 

Pastor R. Sjoblom of First Lutheran in Red Wing served as chairman—Svea would maintain a close relationship with First Lutheran for much of its history. In 1877, 3 acres were purchased and the sanctuary built—this 32x26 structure remains at the center of our worship space. Svea’s first Baptism, Emma Sophia Wetter, was on December 13 of that year. In 1878, Pastor Jonas Magny was called as Svea’s first permanent pastor. Magny served a large area of western Pierce County and Eastern Goodhue County Minnesota, traveling mostly on foot from Ellsworth, Wisconsin to Cannon Falls, Minnesota and between. He planted the beautiful grove of Maple trees surrounding the church grounds and parsonage. In this grove, a service and picnic were held on the Sunday closest to midsummer as was the custom in Sweden. In 1878, seven acres of land were purchased and in 1881 a parsonage was built and a well was dug. Rev. Magny kept a diary during his time at Svea, which has been translated and was included, in part, in the 1975 Svea History. A copy can be found in the church library.

 

In 1890 Pastor Magny resigned. The following have since served: Pastor L. H. Venberg, Rev. Harold Ardahl, Rev. F. Nelson, Rev. L. J. Trued, Rev. F. A. Gustafson, Rev. G. Lindau, Rev. Elmer Holt, Rev. Joseph Mattson, Rev. Robert Bingea, Rev. Edgar Anderson, Rev. Edward Groop, Rev. Ruthann Holm, Rev. Carol Ann McArdell, Rev. William Wilson, Rev. Dean Lundgren, and Rev. Alex M. Aakre. Each pastor has impacted the lives of those they served in ways known completely only by God. We encourage you to share the ways the many leaders and members of our congregation have impacted you and to feel inspired to do the same in the lives you have been blessed to impact.

 

Over the years various improvements and additions have been made to the building. In 1890, the church tower was built and a 1500-pound bell was purchased for 400 dollars and set in place. In 1922, a basement was dug and a furnace installed. In 1928-29, a new parsonage was built—much of the original parsonage’s lumber and a few of its fixtures were reused in the new home. In 1937, stained glass memorial windows were put in. In 1938, the church and parsonage were wired for electricity and a new well was drilled—this began the tradition of framing the church building in lights during Advent. In 1951, extensive remodeling was done in the church, the walls and ceiling were covered with paneling, the front of the church was redone and rededicated in 1952. In 1955, a new pulpit. In 1958, a new Hammond organ was purchased. Between 1961-63, improvements were made by constructing a Fellowship Hall on the north side of the church.

 

In 1963, Svea became part of the newly formed Lutheran Church in America—and then into the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America upon its formation in 1988. Much has changed in Svea’s first 150 years, our kerosene lamps and horse barns are gone—Swedish is no longer the language of the sermon, but still Svea Lutheran Church remains a beacon of Hope. Her bell rings out so we might remember that the Cross of Christ helps us share our joy burdens and tears as a o community of faith and to march onward against the darkness of this world.