From Norwegian pioneer homes, to a log cabin, and eventually to the site it’s at today, Adams’ Little Cedar Lutheran Church has come a long way in 150 years.

The church is celebrating its sesquicentennial Saturday, Sept. 12 and Sunday, Sept. 13.

Celebration volunteers Shirley Schroeder and Pat Hinz said the congregation first met in 1859 in farm homes. Norwegian, Irish and German settlers were members; however, like today, most were of Norwegian descent. The first pastor, C. L. Clausen, was also the pastor at rural Lyle’s Six Mile Grove Lutheran Church, which will celebrate its sesquicentennial this weekend.

The first church building was made of logs and built next to the Little Cedar Cemetery, located about two miles west of Adams on Highway 56.

The second church, a wood frame building, was constructed on the same site in 1876. The congregation moved into town in 1908, when a large brick church was built west of where the church stands today. The current one opened in 1978.

Today, Little Cedar has 656 baptized members and is led by Pastor Shari Mason, who has served there for six years.

Anniversary events began earlier this year, with a picture calendar sale and new photos of members for the church directory.

Little Cedar started its “Kids Against Hunger” mission project, where members packaged food for need people.

“The whole congregation and then people in the community helped out,” Hinz said.

A joint community service was held with Johnsburg’s St. John’s Catholic Church, another congregation celebrating 150 years.

Finishing touches are being completed at Little Cedar Cemetery, where the fence and entry are being sandblasted and repainted. A “peace labyrinth,” with stone benches, landscaping and brick pavers, was created in the middle of the cemetery.

“It was such an improvement to the place,” said Schroeder, a lifelong member of the church.

Service to others is important to the church members. One of the biggest endeavors of the year was the establishment of a food pantry for the Southland area.

“There are many people in the community and other churches who help with that,” Hinz said. Little Cedar also opened a successful day care service, and members contribute to a store for the homeless in the Twin Cities each year.

Little Cedar also has a mission church in Seward, Alaska. The pastor’s mother and grandmother were longtime members at Little Cedar, which now donates money to their parish. Pastor Brian Crockett will be in attendance at Little Cedar’s celebration.

The Little Cedar Lutheran Church 150th Anniversary schedule includes:

Saturday, Sept. 12

Cemetery Walk, 3 to 5 p.m. Hear the stories of past church members (played by current members) and stroll through the cemetery to learn about some of the families represented. Golf cart rides will be available for those unable to walk.

Evening picnic at the church, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Free will offering; eat indoors or outdoors.

Kids’ games, 6 to 6:45 p.m. Old and new games for children.

Campfire and entertainment, 7 p.m. Bring lawn chairs for relaxing fun.

Sunday, Sept. 13

Celebration worship at church, 9 a.m. Bishop Harold Usgaard will share a message of celebration.

Outdoor panoramic picture, 10:30 a.m. Coffee break will follow.

PowerPoint presentation of church history and greetings from former pastors, including the Rev. Wayne Quibell and the Rev. Allen Gunderson, 11:15 a.m.

Roast beef and ham dinner, 12:15 p.m. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children 10 and under; $30 maximum per family. Tickets will be sold before and after worship; buy tickets by Sept. 10 or call the church office at (507) 582-3185. Tickets are also available at Heimer Foods.