“A church is more than bricks and mortar,” they say. This brick church before us, Bernadotte Evangelical Lutheran Church, embodies that sentiment. It represents community and faith. The current Bernadotte Evangelical Lutheran Church was built in 1897. But its story began long before these walls rose.
In 1866 a group of Swedish immigrants founded the Bernadotte Evangelical Lutheran Church. They sought new land to homestead. These pioneers initially held services in their homes. Later, they gathered in a country school.
Imagine these early services. Families huddled together singing hymns. Prayers offered in their native Swedish. These humble gatherings laid the foundation for a thriving community.
The first church was built in 1872. Candle-lit chandeliers illuminated the space. This early church served the community for about 25 years. By the late 1890s the congregation had outgrown its space.
In 1897 they built this magnificent brick structure. It was designed to house 1000 parishioners. The Bernadotte Evangelical Lutheran Church boasts a large bell. Its huge organ has many pipes. Pulling on these large pipes, it must have felt powerful.
Ruth Klossner chronicled the history of Bernadotte Township. Her book includes many historical photographs. They show the interior and exterior of the Bernadotte Evangelical Lutheran Church. Klossner noted people’s lives revolved around the church.
The Bernadotte Evangelical Lutheran Church has a 107-foot high steeple. It was full of former members last summer. Pastors, band, and choir members celebrated the 150th anniversary. They marked the occasion with worship, a catered meal, and a program.
The church was remodeled in 1940. It is still in use today. The park near the church hosts outdoor services. Ice cream socials and band concerts take place there too.
The Bernadotte Band has a special connection to the Bernadotte Evangelical Lutheran Church. It was both a community and church band. The minister even chaired the meeting. It was when the locker plant cooperative was organized.
Klossner lives across the county road from the church. She watches it closely. She is especially watchful during the winter. Klossner said she used to keep the church open all the time. But the insurance company said that coverage wouldn’t be good if they kept it open. If she sees someone in the church parking lot during winter months, she will invite them to stay in her home. Nobody is going to freeze outside in a storm if she can help it.
Bernadotte Evangelical Lutheran Church hosts annual events. Swedefest is usually on the third or fourth Saturday in June. It connects people with Swedish heritage.
The Bernadotte Evangelical Lutheran Church is more than a building. It is a testament to faith. It is a symbol of community. It is a place where memories are made.