History

Four Mile Lutheran Church is the oldest active Norwegian Lutheran church in Texas. Johan Reinert Reierson, editor, reformer and occasional lay preacher began urging immigration to America. In 1845, Johan Reierson and a small group from Norway landed in New Orleans and made their way by wheel boa, horse and wagon, and by foot to Normandy (now known as Brownsboro) in Henderson County. Two years later, Johan Reierson moved his family 30 miles northward and established a settlement called Prairieville and Four Mile Church named after Four-mile Prairie. The church was established in 1848 with Johan Reierson as director. Church services were in homes, under the trees, and in other places. The first church building was made of logs and built in 1853. Anders Fredrickson was called as pastor in 1853 and arrived from Norway in 1854. In 1875 the church was rebuilt due to termites. Some of the unaffected logs ware used for the foundation and stdding in the new walls. In 1941, the church was improved. This building is now the present Adult Sunday School space. In 1956 a vacant church was purchased in Mabank for $400 and moved to adjoin the 1875 building. After repairs and remodeling, it is our sanctuary today. Four Mile now has a large new Parish Hall. There are 74 families on our membership roster who continue to serve the community and our Lord. Our cemetary is a beautiful peaceful place for our members and the community.