First Lutheran Church
A brief history from 1894-1963
The organizational meeting for Svenska Lutherska Mamre Forsamlingen, or First Lutheran Church, took place on September 12, 1894, at Charles Gronberg's store. The Ladies Aid Society, always a strength of the church, was formed earlier on February 13, 1894, at the home of Mrs. John Peterson.
The congregation began building a church in 1895 on Fourth Avenue and Third Street South. The first worship service was held in the new church on All Saints' Day, November 3, 1896.
By the 1940's, leaders at First came to realize that a new church building would better serve the congregation and community. A site was obtained on 9th Avenue between 3rd and 4th Streets South. Architectural drawings were prepared in 1954 and a fund drive was initiated. Ground breaking for the new building took place on June 25, 1956, with Rev. N.E. Vickberg turning the first shovel. The dedication of the building took place on July 12, 1958.
In 1963, the congregation voted to merge with Zion Lutheran Church.