A church built of yellow brick, accented with red. That’s St. Augustana Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. It stands as a testament to the enduring faith of Scandinavian immigrants. St. Augustana Lutheran Church was established in 1866. It served as a spiritual anchor for a burgeoning community.
The journey of St. Augustana Lutheran Church began modestly. Swedish and Lutheran immigrants, longing for a familiar place of worship, began meeting in homes as early as 1857. By 1865, their numbers grew. They moved their gatherings to the Chutes schoolhouse and the home of C.G. Vannstrom. Reverend E. Norelius of St. Paul often led their services. The need for a dedicated space became apparent.
In 1866, they found a temporary home in Dr. Knickerbacker’s Episcopalian church. Formally organized, the congregation purchased land at Washington and 13th Avenue. While their Gothic-style church was under construction, they used Knickerbacker’s schoolhouse. This period saw a mix of Swedish and Norwegian members. In 1868, the Norwegian members branched off. They established Trinity Church.
The church’s influence extended beyond its walls. St. Augustana Lutheran Church fostered several daughter congregations. These included Bethlehem Lutheran, Emanuel Lutheran, a Sunday School in St. Anthony, the River Flats Mission, and Ebenezer Evangelical Lutheran Church. The church’s commitment to community well-being is evident. In 1895, with the arrival of Swedish deaconesses, St. Augustana established the Augustana Mission Colony. This encompassed a home for the aged, a children’s home, and a hospice for young women.
The 800-seat sanctuary of St. Augustana is a sight to behold. Sunlight streams through the tall, narrow stained glass windows, illuminating the curved balcony. The pipes of the organ, though not the original 1904 Estey, still resonate with the echoes of hymns sung throughout the decades. Architect William H. Dennis, known for his French Renaissance Revival style, designed the building in 1883. The church underwent several expansions between the 1940s and 1970s. St. Augustana Lutheran Church, a beacon of faith and community, eventually changed hands. It’s now known as Hope Community Church East, carrying on a legacy of service under new stewardship. The yellow brick building, with its red accents, remains. It continues to serve as a reminder of the enduring spirit of those who first sought solace and community within its walls.