Four Mile Lutheran Church
Phalba, Van Zandt County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Congregation established 1848. Successive churches erected in 1854, 1875, 1941, 1955. Texas' first Norwegian Lutheran Church. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1964
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Established in 1848, this congregation is recognized as Texas's first Norwegian Lutheran church, rebuilding its sanctuary across the generations in 1854, 1875, 1941, and 1955. It marks one of the earliest footholds of Norwegian settlement in the state.
Why it matters
The church traces the roots of Norwegian immigration to Texas, one thread in the vast immigrant tapestry that settled the American frontier.
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Themes & tags
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