New Sweden Lutheran Church looks forward to sesquicentennial

New Sweden Lutheran Church will ring in 150 years with a daylong celebration April 26 for its sesquicentennial anniversary.

Founded in 1876 by Swedish immigrants, the church traces its roots to settlers who came to Central Texas seeking opportunity, officials said. The congregation built its first church in 1879, and the current structure is considered a historic landmark in Travis County, completed in 1922.

“It’s honoring the past, challenged by the future,” said the Rev. Hans Lillejord, who has served the church for 23 years.