HOBART | Swedish immigrants founded Augustana Lutheran Church in 1862, church historian Paula Isolampi said.

Today, 150 years later, the congregation is comprised of members representing a number of ethnic groups, but still retaining descendants from the original families.

"Our approximately 850 members fill the pews with names representing countries from all over the globe," Isolampi said.

The church has the distinction of being the oldest in Hobart, Isolampi said.

"It was originally called the Swedish Lutheran Church," she said.

The church is planning a series of events to celebrate the anniversary, including Foundation Sunday at the church at 207 N. Kelly St.

The celebration, which immediately will follow the 11 a.m. service this Sunday, will include a visit from the Swedish consul, an ethnic potluck dinner, a service from the old Augustana hymnal and displays from the five- and six-generation families.

Activities will continue throughout the year, with at least one event scheduled per month. Isolampi said.

The congregation held its first organizational meeting Feb. 2, 1862, in the home of Carl Johan Johnson.

Initially there were 18 adults and two children. The congregation quickly grew to 52.

Members met in farmhouses and log cabins before the first church was built in 1873 on Lillian Street.

That building at Lillian and Indiana Streets was sold in 1955.

The present church was completed in 1958, church said the Rev. Charles Strietelmeier, the church's pastor.

The congregation will celebrate its Foundation Day service with a joint worship service at 7 p.m. Thursday at its original home, which is now a Hispanic church. That church is on Lillian Street across from the Hobart Chamber of Commerce building.

Augustana Lutheran, known for its family-friendly atmosphere and outreach to the community, also has had its share of ups and downs.

"Seven years ago, in October of 2004, we came close to losing the church because of a fire. We were told by firefighters that 10 minutes (more and) the ceiling would have dropped," Strietelmeier said.

His message during his two sermons on Sunday will focus on giving thanks to the community, to God and to those whose hard work and faithfulness kept the church going.