It is said that this beautiful church northeast of Austin is the most photographed church in Texas, and I’ve certainly been doing my part to keep it that way.
Folks started settling in the area in 1873 and for the first few years it was called Knight’s Ranch. It quickly became known as New Sweden when after this congregation was established in 1876. The little town never, thrived, though it did have a post office from 1887 to 1902 as well as two general stores and a cotton gin.
New Sweden’s first sanctuary was completed in 1879 a little farther to the west, closer to the intersection of FM 973 and New Sweden Church Road, at the site of the church’s cemetery. In 1921, construction began on the current building, which was completed in 1923.
Various members of my family started settling in the Austin Texas area in the 1870’s. Arriving from Sweden some of my family were founding members of the New Sweden Church congregation. My Great Great Grandfather, Corporal Gustaf Jonanson Ax and his wife Johanna, were the first to sign in the New Sweden Lutheran Church book. He served as church secretary 8 years, until he could serve no more. His son, John (Johan) Axell was one of the 1st trustees and served on the building committee for the New Sweden parsonage.
Various members of my family started settling in the Austin Texas area in the 1870’s. Arriving from Sweden some of my family were founding members of the New Sweden Church congregation. My Great Great Grandfather, Corporal Gustaf Jonanson Ax and his wife Johanna, were the first to sign in the New Sweden Lutheran Church book. He served as church secretary 8 years, until he could serve no more. His son, John (Johan) Axell was one of the 1st trustees and served on the building committee for the New Sweden parsonage.