How it all started...
Looking back at our history while focusing on our future
In 1885 eight people formed the Swedish Baptist Church in a predominately Finnish community. Our first building was erected in 1986 on a piece of land gifted by Oscar Abrahamson.
From 1950-1960 Edgar Berglund from Lakeside Church came as the first long-term resident pastor. In his first years, he was also attending Bethel Seminary and came to the church on weekends. In 1953 the Washington School on Airport Road was purchased. This was a three-room facility, two for Sunday School rooms and one for the sanctuary. There was no bathroom or running water in the building. This building was used until 1965.
1965 a new church was built on four acres of land donated by Audie Kortesma.
1969 Joseph Brygger began his ministry at Grace. This was a prosperous time at Grace.
After Joe Brygger concluded his pastorate in 1995, Grace went through some troubling times. Many members left the church, so a conflict resolution team from GLBC was called in to help resolve the issues.
2005-2006 - Dale Johnson began his ministry at Grace. Unfortunately, Dale’s ministry was cut short due to terminal cancer.
2007-2020 - Tom Blomberg began his ministry. This marked a new path for Grace. Attendance and giving increased. Building plans resumed on a gift of land from the Dottie Ledin family. On June 7, 2017, volunteers from Grace broke ground on the longstanding dream of a new facility with exposure. After a couple of grueling years, we were approved to move into our new facility. Our first service was held on 12/22/2019. For the most part, this was a massive undertaking built by volunteers.
August 2021 -
Pastor Lars Dahl, his wife Sarah, and daughter Lizzie began their ministry....
In 1885 eight people formed the Swedish Baptist Church in a predominately Finnish community. Our first building was erected in 1986 on a piece of land gifted by Oscar Abrahamson.
From 1950-1960 Edgar Berglund from Lakeside Church came as the first long-term resident pastor. In his first years, he was also attending Bethel Seminary and came to the church on weekends. In 1953 the Washington School on Airport Road was purchased. This was a three-room facility, two for Sunday School rooms and one for the sanctuary. There was no bathroom or running water in the building. This building was used until 1965.
1965 a new church was built on four acres of land donated by Audie Kortesma.
1969 Joseph Brygger began his ministry at Grace. This was a prosperous time at Grace.
After Joe Brygger concluded his pastorate in 1995, Grace went through some troubling times. Many members left the church, so a conflict resolution team from GLBC was called in to help resolve the issues.
2005-2006 - Dale Johnson began his ministry at Grace. Unfortunately, Dale’s ministry was cut short due to terminal cancer.
2007-2020 - Tom Blomberg began his ministry. This marked a new path for Grace. Attendance and giving increased. Building plans resumed on a gift of land from the Dottie Ledin family. On June 7, 2017, volunteers from Grace broke ground on the longstanding dream of a new facility with exposure. After a couple of grueling years, we were approved to move into our new facility. Our first service was held on 12/22/2019. For the most part, this was a massive undertaking built by volunteers.
August 2021 -
Pastor Lars Dahl, his wife Sarah, and daughter Lizzie began their ministry....
Expanding the vision...
The objective of the Great Commission in Matthew 28 is to mobilize Christ’s followers to make disciples of all nations, sharing the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ and guiding new believers into a life of obedience to His teachings.
It calls for intentional evangelism, by opening the doors of this building to the community that we have been purposely placed in and through venues like VBS, GraceKids, roadside cleaning, MomTime, Trunk-or-Treat, Easter Egg hunts, Operation Christmas Child, baptism, which is a public declaration of our faith as a church body, and ongoing teaching that grounds disciples in God’s Word.
At its heart, the Great Commission is not merely about conversion but about transformation, leading people into a growing, lifelong relationship with Jesus, empowered by His presence and authority until the end of the age Matthew 28:18-20 NKJV
It calls for intentional evangelism, by opening the doors of this building to the community that we have been purposely placed in and through venues like VBS, GraceKids, roadside cleaning, MomTime, Trunk-or-Treat, Easter Egg hunts, Operation Christmas Child, baptism, which is a public declaration of our faith as a church body, and ongoing teaching that grounds disciples in God’s Word.
At its heart, the Great Commission is not merely about conversion but about transformation, leading people into a growing, lifelong relationship with Jesus, empowered by His presence and authority until the end of the age Matthew 28:18-20 NKJV
Where we are headed...
From a biblical perspective, the Grace is headed toward a future that includes:
- Continued Gospel Mission – Until Christ returns, we are called to faithfully proclaim the Gospel to all nations (Matthew 28:18-20 NKJV), making disciples in both local and global contexts.
- Perseverance Through Opposition – The Bible warns of increasing false teaching, moral decline, and persecution (2 Timothy 3:1-5 NKJV; Matthew 24:9-14 NKJV), meaning the Church must stand firm in truth and holiness.
- Purification and Readiness – Christ is preparing His Bride, the Church, to be holy and without blemish (Ephesians 5:25-27 NKJV). Trials refine us, and the Spirit sanctifies us for that day.
- The Rapture and Christ’s Return – Ultimately, the Church is headed toward the moment when Jesus will gather His people to Himself (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 NKJV) and return in glory to establish His kingdom.
- Eternal Reign With Christ – Our final destination is eternal fellowship with God in the new heaven and new earth (Revelation 21:1-4 NKJV).
