Rooted in Albert Lea
Our History
Grace began with a gathering of neighbors and a shared hope for a new Lutheran congregation. That spirit of faith and community continues today.
A congregation begins
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.
A first home
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.
Building for the future
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.
Building for the future
Laying of the Cornerstone — October 11, 1953
The cornerstone is Barry Granite from Barry, Vermont, and was engraved by Star Granite Works of Albert Lea.
Inside were placed a New Version of the Bible (RSV), the Lutheran Hymnary, the Lutheran Herald containing the story of Grace Lutheran, Luther’s Small Catechism, the Lutheran Yearbook, the Augsburg Confession, Grace’s constitution, a list of charter members, The Grace Lutheran Story, the building prospectus, the October parish paper, the October 11 Sunday School paper and church bulletin, the October 11 Albert Lea Tribune, bulletins and clippings, the 1952 annual report, stewardship reports, and the Building Fund Committee report.
The present church
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.