Site of Swedish Evangelical Free Church, Austin, Texas
historical marker
This historical marker, erected in 1977 by the Texas Historical Commission in Travis County, identifies the site of the Swedish Evangelical Free Church in Austin. The church's story begins with Swedish immigrants who started worship services in 1889. It was formally founded in July 1892 in the Decker community, located east of Austin. Many Swedish immigrants came to this region, often seeking religious freedom. In 1923, this congregation merged with another Swedish group from Elroy. They then relocated to Austin, building their church on this specific site in 1925. Services were conducted in Swedish until the 1930s, reflecting the congregation's heritage. The church was renamed the First Evangelical Free Church in 1952. In 1962, the congregation moved to a new building on Red River Street, after selling this property to the State of Texas. This site marks a significant chapter in Austin's Swedish immigrant and religious history.