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Swedish Lutheran Zion Church

15875 4th Avenue, Silverhill, AL 36576

Baldwin County

This church was established in 1905, although the area east of Mobile Bay was developed by the Svea Land Company of Chicago beginning in 1896. Early settlers were Scandinavians, primarily Swedes, who had emigrated south from the American Midwest. The Swedish Baptist and Mission Covenant denominations formed churches before sixteen members of the Evangelical Swedish Lutheran Zion Church organized the current congregation. Swedish was used in the church school and for services until 1919. The devastating hurricane of 1906 caused widespread destruction and a mass exodus from the area. Perhaps this resulted in the church having visiting pastors (there were two other Swedish Lutheran churches in Alabama) and not building its own sanctuary until 1916. The church had its first permanent, resident pastor in 1919, when English replaced Swedish.

The architect, Victor Olson, was as member of the church; both men and women of the congregation did the actual construction. The interesting sanctuary reflects the latter period of the High Victorian Gothic style. Note the asymmetrical massing, pointed windows, cross-bracing in the gables, and small circular window above the entryway. The two demi-lune windows are classical rather than Gothic. The church has always been painted white. Interestingly, it was first lit by oil lamps, and it was served by outhouses until the 1950s. The church has been recognized by the Baldwin County Historic Development Commission.

The church continues an active ministry in this small community.