Hessel Valley Lutheran Church in Chandlers Valley will celebrate its 158th anniversary this Sunday, Sept. 16, at the 11 a.m. worship service. Dr. Julie Boozer of Scandia will be the guest speaker on this very special Sunday. Dr. 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 this side 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 as he attended bicentennial celebrations in America that year, a remarkable occasion many in the Warren County area remember today.
There will be a potluck supper following the service. Everyone is invited to come help Hessel Valley celebrate their history this Sunday.
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Dr. Julie Boozer