HAGER CITY — Celebrating 150 years since its original services at a schoolhouse in 1875 where the Trenton Town Hall now stands, Svea Lutheran Church saw people from around the nation return to Hager City for the June 22 service.

“It’s definitely a time to give thanks to God for the way that he has provided in big and small ways over 150 years,” Pastor Al Aakre said. “It’s also a time to look back and give thanks to all of the lives that the congregation has touched, has served over that time. People that now live across the country have had some connection and we were able to serve them at some point in their lives, and I think that’s pretty cool.”

In 1877, the current sanctuary was built. The church was founded by a group of Swedish Lutherans, hence the name.

“It’s not a biblical name,” Aakre said. “It’s like Lady Sweden. Like we would have Lady Liberty it was Lady Sweden, which makes sense for a group of immigrants in a new land.”

The first student from Gustavus Adolphus, Pastor Jonas Magny, became the church’s first permanent pastor in 1878. Jonas’ son Judge C.R. Magney , who now has a Minnesota State Park in Grand Marais named after him, grew up attending Svea Lutheran Church.

Jonas planted maple trees at the cemetery in 1882, many of which are still standing today. He did so in order to celebrate Sweden’s traditional Midsummer Festival. Aakre said they still celebrate this tradition to date.

“There are still many families descended from founding families. We have people that are Swedish, but we also have people from all over the world,” Aakre said.

Svea has become known for its Christmas light tradition that started back in 1938, coinciding with the electrification of the county. The church was given the lights in order to advertise to farmers to hook up to the grid. Aakre also said the church was the township’s first building with indoor plumbing.

With all the history, memories and stories of 150 years, seeing a packed church put a smile on the faces of those in attendance.

“It’s humbling, but it’s a reminder that you’re able to walk with people,” Aakre said. “It’s just a reminder that even though we have challenges or setbacks, that God is still working through us.

“Svea is a community that wants to walk with you through life,” Aakre said. “We want to help. We want to serve in any way that we can.”