Our History

November 17, 1946

November 17th is the actual date of our churches 75th anniversary. The service was held at 11:00am in the REA drafting room in the basement of the Security Bank building. There were 180 in attendance that day. By December 8th, just three weeks later, two services were held 9:30 and 11:00 to accommodate the rapidly growing congregation which totaled 230. Thanks to everyone who shared memories and pictures during the last couple months to help celebrate our congregations 75th Anniversary. Let's make many more memories to share for our 100th anniversary in 2046.

June of 1947

Grace Lutheran purchased a ten lot area bordered by St. Thomas, Sheridan and Garfield. On July 18th ground was broken and October 5th, 1947 was the first service in our new church home, the quonset. It was dedicated Nov. 16th with 450 in attendance.

April 26, 1953

Ground-breaking on our current church building was April 26th, 1953 and by August 19th, 1953 this is a aerial view of the area. Eighteen months from the ground-breaking the church structure was finished on the outside.

Laying of the Cornerstone
October 11, 1953
The cornerstone is made of Barry Granite from Barry, Vermont and was engraved by Star Granite Works, Albert Lea.
The Cornerstone contains "New Version of the Bible(RSV), Lutheran Hymnary, Lutheran Herald containing the story of Grace Lutheran, Luther's Small Catechism, the Lutheran Yearbook, The Augsburg Confession, Constitution of Grace Lutheran, list of Charter Members, Booklet:The Grace Lutheran Story, Prospectus of the Church Building, October Parish Paper, Sunday School paper for October 11, 1953, Church bulletin for Oct. 11, 1953, Albert Lea Tribune for Oct. 11, 1953, bulletins and clippings showing highlights, Annual Report for 1952, Stewardship reports and Report of Building Fund Committee"

October 24, 1954
The first service in our current church building. Just 8 years after the first service at the Security State Bank building, WOW.
From basement of the the bank to the quonset to this beautiful building. Amazing people of God. The cost to complete the building $375,000.00 and to finish the interior was another $150,000.00.