Scandian Grove Lutheran Church was organized on June 13, 1858. The early settlers of the area were Swedish immigrants from the fertile plains of Skane, thus they named their church Scandian Grove. Later other Swedish settlers came from the Smaland area. Scandian Grove is located in rural Nicollet County, between the boundary line of Lake Prairie and New Sweden townships. The church building is just north of State Highway 22 on County Road 52 on the west side of Norseland. The address is 42869 County Road 52, St. Peter, Minnesota 56082. The phone number is 507-246-5195. The church can be reached by E-mail at the following: pastorsglc@gmail.com. The church is approximately 10 miles west of St. Peter.

     The church was organized in the home of Andrew Thorson and early church services were held in the homes of members. The Reverend Pehr A. Cederstam was the first pastor. The first church was built in 1861 and was a framed building with four windows on each side and a small steeple at one end. When built, it was the farthest west church building erected by Swedish immigrants in America.This building served as a refuge for pioneers during the Dakota Conflict of 1862. 

     There were years of sadness because of epidemics of smallpox and diptheria. But there were also times of great joy as in 1875-76 the Scandian Grove people took the lead in securing Gustavus Adolphus College for St. Peter. In 1888, the congregation decided to build a new brick church. The original carpenter was Frank Webster and the new building had a cross tower reaching 85 feet. This building served the congregation until July 5, 1978 when a fire of unknown origin destroyed the building.

     The congregation, numbering approximately 300 members at that time, immediately voted to rebuild the church. During the interim, Scandian Grove members thankfully accepted the invitation of our neighboring Norseland Lutheran Church pastor and members; who came to offer their church for our member's Sunday Services and other activities. Groundbreaking for the new building was held July 22, 1979 and the first services were held in March of 1980.

     The new building, pictured above, has served the congregation well over the years. Today we are a vibrant congregation of 376 baptized members who work to fulfill our mission: "Striving to Love, To Live, and To Serve, All for the Glory of God".