CHANDLERS VALLEY - Hessel Valley Lutheran Church in Chandlers Valley will celebrate its 158th anniversary Sunday at the 11 a.m. worship service.
Dr. Julie Boozer of Scandia will be the guest speaker. Boozer has studied and written about Swedish immigration to America and will talk about the history of Hessel Valley, which continues to hold the distinction as the oldest Lutheran congregation east of the Mississippi River. Swedish immigrants settled in the area of Chandlers Valley and built the church in 1854.
Hessel Valley Lutheran Church was the original congregation which later led to other congregations forming in the area - including First Lutheran in Jamestown. Because of its historical importance, in 1976, the King of Sweden came to visit Hessel Valley when he attended bicentennial celebrations in America.
Article Photos
The Hessel Valley Lutheran Church, above left, will celebrate its 158th anniversary Sunday. Above right is King Carl XVI?Gustaf of Sweden shown during his 1976 visit.
Following Sunday's service, there will be a potluck supper. The public is welcome to attend.