Identity elements
Reference code
Name and location of repository
Level of description
Title
Date(s)
- 1892-1962 (Creation)
Extent
2 boxes
Name of creator
Administrative history
The Augustana Evangelical Lutheran Church traces its beginning to a congregation formed by in 1848 Swedish immigrants in an area of Jefferson County Iowa known as New Sweden. The first ordained Swedish pastor to serve in the Midwest arrived in late 1849 to support the New Sweden congregation and establish Lutheran congregations in Illinois. As more Scandinavian immigrants arrived to the area, more Swedish Lutheran pastors were called. In June 1860, representatives of Swedish and Norwegian congregations met in Rock County, Wisconsin to found the Scandinavian Evangelical Lutheran Augustana Synod of North America. The Augustana Theological Seminary was soon established in Chicago. In 1870, the Norwegian withdrew from the Synod. Congregations were established in 35 states and 5 Canadian provinces organized into conferences and districts. In 1962, the Augustana Synod joined the AELC, the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and the ULC to form the Lutheran Church in America.
Content and structure elements
Scope and content
Records of the Augustana Synod Evangelical Lutheran Church, including policies, procedures, and mission minutes. Also includes the records of the Augustana Lutheran Women and Augustana Lutheran Heritage Association.