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 The Swedish Mission Covenant Church was founded by a small group of Swedish immigrants in Bessemer in 1890. A small wooden church, the first house of worship in Bessemer when it was dedicated on August 10, 1890, was constructed on land donated by the Bessemer Limestone Company. A visiting pastor held services (which were exclusively in Swedish until the early 1920’s) about twice a month until the congregation hired its first fulltime pastor in 1940. Various improvements and additions were made to the church and adjoining properties were purchased over the years. The name of the church was changed to the First Covenant Church in 1966 and years later the small congregation celebrated its 100th anniversary in 1990. The small church and its cemetery are still in active service today. (Apr 2016) Full Size |
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Comments
Christopher Burns #
I recently ran across a booklet celebrating the Swedish Mission Church’s Golden Jubilee. I was shocked to find my great grandparents listed as charter members. Wilhelmina and Axel Granberg and Samuel and Ingrid Kristianson (they changed their name to Christian). It’s awesome to see that the church still stands. If I’m ever in Pennsylvania, I’ll have to stop for a visit. I wonder how many of my ancestors are buried in that cemetary?
David #
My grandparents came from Sweden and were married in this church on November 20, 1901. The Pastor who married them was J.O. Bodin. Their name was changed to Christian as well. Their first names are Andrew and Carolyn. Grandma Carolyn’s maiden name was Johnson. Several people from the congregation took the Immigrant Train to Turlock, CA with their Pastor. My grandparents were among them. They started the Youngstown Colony three miles south of Turlock in October of 1903.
Renee Capeloto #
Hi everyone, both these comments are very intriguing for me. I’d love to get a copy of that Golden Jubilee booklet. My great grandfather apparently was a charter member as well- Otto Anderson (wife was Ellen Ogren). They were in the Bessemer area in the late 1890’s and then moved to Turlock, CA – perhaps to start that other church??
Can’t find much of anything online to confirm he was a charter member or much about this church. Would live to get any additional info if you have!!
Great job on these archives!!
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