First Baptist Church New Sweden

History

William Widgery Thomas, Jr. (W.W. Thomas), founder of the colony, chose men of varying professions and interests to include in the first group of immigrants. Among them was Nels Olson, whose activity as a lay pastor in Baptist work in Sweden equipped him to offer spiritual help from the first day. It was he who conducted the Christian burial of little Hlma Clase who had died shortly before the group arrived in July of 1870. Gathering in the Olson home, a group of Baptist believers met for worship straight away. In March of 1871, 8 people formed the First Swedish Baptist Church. In July, 37 new members were added and by the first anniversary the membership had grown to 64. The church worshiped without a building for 10 years. In 1881 the first chapel was built. The current church building was built 11 years later, in 1892.

Specialties

Are you searching for real Christianity? Not...teaching that says that God wants everyone to be healthy and wealthy. Not...legalistic fundamentalism. But...a place where imperfect people try to live their lives out in love, grace and truth by the power of the Holy Spirit. A place where the preaching agrees with the teaching of the Bible. A place where personal politics doesn't matter- Jesus Christ is Lord. If so, we welcome you to join us this Sunday morning at 9:30 for Sunday School and at 10:30 for our worship service.