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From June 19 through 22, 2008, Bethany College will host the sixth biennial national gathering of the Augustana Heritage Association. The event will coincide with Midsummer's Day festivities in Lindsborg.
The purpose of the Augustana Heritage Association is to define, promote and perpetuate the heritage of the Augustana Lutheran Church (1860-1962), which merged to form the Lutheran Church in America, and then merged to become the predecessor body of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
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From its earliest stages, Bethany College has had a close connection to Augustana. After being ordained by the Augustana Lutheran Synod in 1879, Rev. Carl A. Swensson arrived in Lindsborg to succeed Dr. Olof Olsson, who later became president of Augustana College and Theological Seminary in Rock Island, Ill., as pastor of Bethany Lutheran Church. Two years later, Swensson founded Bethany College.
Bethany College, established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants on October 15, 1881 in the sacristy of Bethany Lutheran Church, is a college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) owned and operated by the Central States and Arkansas / Oklahoma Synods. The college has traditionally enjoyed a close relationship with the broader Lutheran church.
As with the Augustana Heritage Association, Bethany College’s roots are imbedded in Sweden. The Lindsborg community receives national recognition for its biennial Svensk Hyllningsfest, held in conjunction with the college’s homecoming in odd-numbered years. This provides a unique opportunity to celebrate the Scandinavian-American heritage of the region.
Continuing through today, and looking to the future, it is evident that the college, church, community, and people come together in a unique way in Lindsborg, Kansas. Members of the Augustana Heritage Association will experience these values, celebrations, and offerings while gathering at Bethany College this June.
For more information on the Augustana Heritage Association and to register for the event in Lindsborg, visit www.augustanaheritage.org.
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