Organized on February 23, 1876, by the Rev. J.O. Cavallin and Swedish immigrants, the New Sweden Lutheran congregation built its first sanctuary in 1879 two miles west of this site, where the New Sweden Lutheran Cemetery is located. The present church structure, an important Travis County landmark, was built in 1922 on land donated by Johanna Petterson. Services were conducted in the Swedish language until 1923, and the church continues to celebrate its rich heritage as it serves the community with an ongoing ministry.