New Sweden Chapel hosts Sunday service this week

First Augustana Lutheran Church in Lockridge is holding Sunday service at the New Sweden Chapel, located northwest of Lockridge, at 10 a.m. this week.

The New Sweden Chapel, listed with the National Historical Society, closed in 1948 and First Augustana Lutheran of Lockridge was appointed as caretakers and overseers. Services are held at the chapel twice a year ? on the first Sunday in June and the second Sunday in September.

The church was established in 1848 by a group of Swedish people led by Peter Cassel. This was the first Lutheran church established west of the Mississippi River.

All former members and friends are invited to attend the service.

Many visitors come to view the chapel and research for ancestors buried in the cemetery.