New Sweden Evangelical Lutheran Church
Manor, Travis County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Organized on February 23, 1876, by the Rev. J.O. Cavallin and Swedish immigrants, the New Sweden Lutheran Congregation built its first sanctuary in 1879 two miles west of this site (where the New Sweden Lutheran Cemetery is located). The present church structure, which has become an important Travis County landmark, was built in 1922 on land donated by Johanna Petterson. Services were conducted in the Swedish language until 1923. The church continues to celebrate its rich heritage as it serves the community with an ongoing ministry. (1988)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Swedish immigrants and the Rev. J. O. Cavallin organized the New Sweden Evangelical Lutheran Congregation in 1876, raising their first sanctuary two miles west of this spot where the old cemetery still lies. The present church, a landmark of rural Travis County, was built in 1922 on land donated by Johanna Petterson, and services were held in Swedish until 1923. The congregation still gathers, tending both its ministry and its immigrant heritage.
Why it matters
New Sweden preserves the language, faith, and community life that Swedish immigrants transplanted to the Texas prairie in the late 19th century.
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Related people
- ¡ J. O. Cavallin
- ¡ Johanna Petterson
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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