In 2024, Union Creek celebrated 150 years of ministry. Through wars, droughts, booms, and pandemics, one thing has remained the same: a deep commitment to Christ and to one another.

The current generation worships in the third church building, atop the same hill that early settlers first chose. Many families have worshiped here for generations, always welcoming new faces with open arms. 

2024 - 150 Years of Faithfulness

2000s - Youth Ministry

In 1945, the Union Creek Cemetery Association purchased 40 acres of farmland north of the church. That land is still rented to local farmers, with the proceeds helping to fund cemetery and grounds maintenance.

In 1948, the church basement was renovated to include a kitchen and the curved serving counter still in use today.

By 1953, church membership had grown to 173 adults and 74 baptized children.

1940s to 2000s - An Expanding Congregation

Just one year after the storm, in August of 1926, the current church building was dedicated.

A unique feature for the time was a “mother’s room” built into the upper bell tower—complete with a rocking chair and windows that looked down into the sanctuary, allowing mothers to care for their children while still participating in worship. Today, that same space is used for Sunday School.

The stained-glass windows were purchased during this rebuilding, including the beloved west-facing image of “Jesus in Gethsemane.” Windows in each of the sanctuary’s four corners represent the four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Two large side windows depict “The Light of the World” and “The Bread of Life.”

The striking “Ascension of Christ” painting in the sanctuary was purchased by the Luther League. The artwork was created by Swedish-American artist Birger Sandzén, a professor of art at Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas.

In the years following the rebuilding, the Union Creek congregation endured the Great Depression, a decade-long drought, a six-year pastoral vacancy, and the dissolution of their parish with Nathanael Lutheran. Despite these trials, the church not only survived, they grew stronger.

1926 - Today's Church

In 1925, a violent windstorm destroyed the second church. Despite the damage, members were able to salvage several cherished items, including two decorative pillars, the marble baptismal font, and the church bell. All three are still in use at Union Creek today.

1925 - A Devastating Storm

As the congregation continued to grow, so did the need for a larger space. In 1897, members voted to construct a new church and relocate it to the top of the hill overlooking the Union Creek Valley.

The second church was completed and dedicated in the summer of 1898. It was considered large for its time and featured a bell tower and stained-glass windows.

1897 - A Church on the Hill

By 1877, the congregation had grown to 53 confirmed members and 32 baptized children. With the growing community, work began on building a permanent church.

The original church was a modest 20 feet wide by 32 feet long, constructed by church members, some of whom had been experienced carpenters back in Sweden. As soon as the walls and roof were up, worship services began, even while the interior was still being completed.

1877 - The First Church

The story of Union Creek Lutheran Church begins in the early 1870s, when Swedish immigrants settled near the east fork of Union Creek. In 1874, the congregation was formally organized.

Following the Swedish tradition of “Prest Gaard” or Priest Farm, church members obtained 40 acres through the Timber Culture Act for $50. That fall, they began farming the land while planning construction of the first church building.

1870s - Swedish Roots