Swede Valley Lutheran Church

Swede Valley Lutheran Church Founded in 1868 by Swedish immigrants to Boone County, Iowa. Now merged with Immanuel Lutheran Church in Ogden. C.J. Damstrom was elected to act as secretary.

History of Swede Valley Lutheran Church
Humble Beginnings

Swedish immigrants started arriving in the later part of the 19th century and found the Midwest, especially Iowa, suited to their lifestyle and familiar climate choice. On September 25, 1868 a meeting was called to organize a congregation; Pastor Malmberg from Swede Bend (now Stratford) was invited to preside. Fifty adults and forty-nine

children elected to form the Swede Valley Church in Moingona, Iowa. Starting in 1869 the newly formed congregation held worship services in homes and rented buildings. It wasn’t until 1880 that a place was settled on that became the location of the present church (south of Ogden, Iowa). There was a disagreement in regard to the construction of the church building. But the church records of March 2, 1883 state, “There was no appeasement. But God who directs all things, even directed this for the best, for a cyclone came June 17, 1882. This took the old church and with it the object of the quarrel. The new church was finished in better harmony and accord and was consecrated in 1882”. In 1887 a parsonage was built next to the church at a cost under $400. In 1889 the basement was dug and a coal furnace was installed. In 1906 the western part of the church was added along with the altar rail, baptismal font, and pulpit. In 1910 the Luther League donated $300 for construction of stables across the road for holding horses and buggies during church events. In 1917 the pipe organ (that was hand-pumped) was shipped from California. In 1921 the church received the altar painting by Jonas Olof Grafstrom (restored in 2017 by Jim Stathopoulos). In 1957 a new furnace, indoor plumbing, and electricity for the pipe organ was installed. In 1997 the Swede Valley congregation merged with Immanuel Lutheran Church in Ogden due to declining attendance. Today, though, Swede Valley is still vibrant with worship every year in June. It is also used for weddings, funeral, family reunions, and other special events. We are very proud of our heritage and all that Swede Valley can offer to the community.

Starting June 7th through July 26th, we will worship those Sundays at 10:30am, here at Swede Valley. See you then!
05/23/2026

Starting June 7th through July 26th, we will worship those Sundays at 10:30am, here at Swede Valley. See you then!

05/21/2026

We will be back at Swede Valley for June and July! More details to come.

Thank you all for joining us for worship this summer! We are back at Immanuel next Sunday.
08/01/2024

Thank you all for joining us for worship this summer! We are back at Immanuel next Sunday.

07/21/2024

Welcome to worship!

07/20/2024

Our worship is at 10am tomorrow!

Reminder- next Sunday worship is at 10am! See you then! And please stay for our potluck, even if you didn’t bring your a...
07/15/2024

Reminder- next Sunday worship is at 10am! See you then!
And please stay for our potluck, even if you didn’t bring your aunt’s special casserole, we will have plenty of food to share. All are welcome.

Our choir this morning at Swede Valley!
06/30/2024

Our choir this morning at Swede Valley!

06/12/2024

Thanks again to Denny for playing for us last Sunday. Here is a very short snippet to enjoy.

Welcome to worship! All are welcome. Välkommen
06/09/2024

Welcome to worship! All are welcome. Välkommen

Thank you, Denny, for playing our 100 year old organ for our hymn-fest yesterday.
12/04/2023

Thank you, Denny, for playing our 100 year old organ for our hymn-fest yesterday.

Address

RR
Ogden, IA
50212

Opening Hours

9am - 11am

Telephone

(515) 275-2164

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Swede Valley Lutheran Church posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category