Mission:

Our Mission Building a Rural Family in Christ, Spring Garden has something to offer everyone--from the smallest children to teenagers and adults.

History:

The first Swedish settlers came to the area about 1855. They heard there was good farmland to be had. They camped in Red Wing for several weeks, eventually leaving their wives and children there while they ventured on the buffalo trails to find the land in "Kallornas Lustgard" (Spring Garden) where they staked their pre-emption claims. In the fall of 1855 the men brought their families to the new land.

In the Spring of 1856 two boys were born in the new settlement. Word had reached the settlers that a young pastor, Eric Norelius had come to the Vasa settlement. On July 6, 1856 an oxcart full of people traveled toward Vasa to have the boys baptized. They encouraged Pastor Norelius to visit them in the new Spring Garden settlement. He made his first visit July 17, 1856 walking about 9 miles through unbroken wilderness to find the settlement. Thus began regular visits over the next two years by Pastor Norelius between the Vasa and Spring Garden settlements. 

The Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church of Spring Garden was officially formed July 19, 1858. The charter members were: Mr. M.A. Edstrom, wife four children; Mr. John J. Vanberg, wife, three children; Mr. C.A. Haggstrom, wife, two children; Mr. Jacob Johanson, wife; Mr. John Peter Johanson, wife; Foster-daughter Ingrid Jonson; Mr. A.W. Johnson, one child; Mr. Paul Nilson; Mr. Johan Holm, one child; Mr. Isack Holm, wife, two children; Mr. Gustav Johnson, wife, three children; Mr. Nils Kallber, wife, three children; Mr. Peter Lundell, wife, one child; Mr. Bengt Anderson, wife, two children; Mr. Anders Enberg, wife, one child; Mr. S.A. Ljungquist; Mr. John Lagerstrom.

Pastor Norelius arranged for Pastor Peter Beckman to come from Stockholm, Wisconsin to minister to the newly formed church. Minnesota had become a state May 11, 1858 and Leon Township had been organized and held its first election on July 5, 1858 with 50 votes polled. The organization of the Spring Garden church stands out with these other historical events. Ever since that day, the church has stood as God's lighthouse, sending forth the gospel light into hearts of the people.