First Lutheran Church is a congregation of the Southeastern Minnesota Synod, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Swedish immigrants who came to settle and farm the rich soil of the Minnesota River Valley organized the congregation in January of 1883.

Student Pastors and faculty from Gustavus Adolpus College were often used in the early years.  Communion occurred when an ordained pastor visited, maybe three times a year.  Men sat on the right side of the church and women and smaller children on the left.  A Ladies Society was organized in 1892 and it was this group who raised funds to purchase a bell for the church that was built on Harriet Street in 1887.  In 1927, First Lutheran switched from use of the Swedish language to holding all church services in English.  In 1960, the congregation moved into the old German Methodist Church at 409 North Second Street.

In 1980, the congregation moved into its next and current church home located at the corner of Inner Drive and Elmwood Avenue.  During the period of 1975-1995, the congregation size reached a peak with total membership in the 800’s.

In 2008, we celebrated our 125th year of ministry in the Le Sueur area.  And we got our original bell back and hung it in a tower in the church parking lot.  It was dedicated on Sept. 14, 2008. Watch video of the bell ring (this link takes you to youtube.)

Over the years, the congregation has grown from a very small and struggling people of God to one that is vibrant and strong. We have something to offer everyone and invite you to visit.