Common connections

Community ties, shared stories unite Union Creek Lutheran congregation through generations

Janelle Atyeo
Mar 24, 2024
Mar 24, 2024

Union Creek history (1).jpg — Union Creek’s second church was destroyed by a wind storm in 1925. The altar, pulpit and several other pieces were salvaged and are still used today.
Submitted photo

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Janelle Atyeo

Camaraderie and community support make Union Creek Lutheran Church what it is.

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Church Union Creek (4).JPG — A community of settlers with Swedish hertiage built Union Creek Lutheran overlooking the hills west of Akron, Iowa. The congregation is celebrating its 150th anniversary.
Tri-State Neighbor photo by Janelle Atyeo

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Union Creek history (2).jpg — Early worship services at Union Creek included hymns accompanied by violin. Members taught others to play and sing.
Submitted photo

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Church Union Creek (21) - worked.jpg — Built as a “mother’s room” overlooking the sanctuary, this space in the bell tower serves as a Sunday school classroom.
Tri-State Neighbor photo by Janelle Atyeo

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Union Creek history (3).jpg — A pre-1948 photo looking down on Union Creek shows the cemetery to the north and the first church building, Luther Hall, behind the current church.
Submitted photo

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Church Union Creek (19) - worked.jpg — The interior of Union Creek Lutheran near Akron, Iowa.
Tri-State Neighbor photo by Janelle Atyeo

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Church Union Creek (25).JPG — A community of settlers with Swedish hertiage built Union Creek Lutheran overlooking the hills west of Akron, Iowa. The congregation is celebrating its 150th anniversary.
Tri-State Neighbor photo by Janelle Atyeo

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Prayers on the Prairie is a regular feature of the Tri-State Neighbor, taking the place of the Crop Watchers report during the winter season. If you have a suggestion for a rural church to feature here, contact editor Janelle Atyeo at janelle.atyeo@lee.net.