updated July 16, 2012

Swedish Baptist church, Center twp.
~photographed by Liz Stewart, 2005

~*~*~

Village Creek Center Baptist Church, established 1853 is the second oldest Swedish Baptist Church in America. This church building, the third, was dedicated in 1912.

~*~*~

Village Creek Church To Observe Nintieth Anniversary

The Village Creek Baptist church, east of Waukon, will celebrate its nintieth anniversary Sunday, Aug. 22. The congregation has an unusual distinction in that it was the first congregation of the denomination to be organized in Iowa, the second in the United States, and the third in the world. The church is served by Rev. L.D. Eaton of Waukon since the retirement of Rev. R.J. Lindblom, this year, after serving for thirty-five years.

~Waterloo Daily Courier, September 20, 1943

~*~*~

Fete 50 Year School Head

Waukon- Robert Ahlstrom, 75, who has served as superintendent of the Baptist Church Sunday school in Center Township for 50 years, will be honored Sunday. The Sunday school was organized nearly 89 years ago and has continuouly. During the first 39 years 17 superintendents served. When Ahlstrom assumed the work the attendance was about 30 and later the membership dropped to the children of three families. At one time Ahlstrom served as superintendent, organist and teacher. The attendance has recently reached 89, and Ahlstrom is supported by an adequate corps of teachers and officers.

~La Crosse Tribune And Leader-Press, La Crosse, Wisconsin, Sunday, July 23, 1950
~transcribed by Reid R. Johnson

~*~*~

The Past and Present of Allamakee co. Iowa, 1913 contains a history of this church in chapter 19. Click here to read (opens in a new window)

Return to Church index