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3rd Avenue - CC SA-BY Our Oakland

The First Swedish Baptist Church dates back to at least 1886, when the church met at Liberty Hall at on Brush near 7th. In 1887, they moved to a new building at 10th and Magnolia. 4,5 One of the founders was Rev. John Alexis Edgren, who had been founder and director of the Swedish Baptist Theological Seminary in Illinois. 8

In 1905, they constructed a new, larger building at 10th and Magnolia. Julia Morgan apparently sketched the design, and church member Charles Bolin, a contractor, constructed it. 7

In 1926, they moved to a new building east of Lake Merritt. The building at 3rd Avenue and East 15th St. was designed by Julia Morgan, and dedicated in August 1926. John Friborg was the pastor. 1

First Swedish Baptist was the 'mother' church of Swedish Baptist churches in California. 2

In August or September of 1935, the church was renamed as Lakeside Baptist Church. 9 Today the building is home to Re:Generation Church.

CC SA-BY Our Oakland1926 1as Lakeside Baptist 6


10th and Magnolia (1902 Sanborn)
10th and Magnolia (1912 Sanborn)
3rd Avenue and E15th (1950 Sanborn)

Links and References

  1. church ad Oakland Tribune August 28, 1926
  2. 'Mother' Church of Swedish Baptists Oakland Tribune April 28, 1928
  3. church listing Oakland Tribune April 10, 1886
  4. church listing Oakland Tribune July 21, 1888
  5. Flashes From Our Western Foyer Oakland Tribune March 14, 1887
  6. MS141-3-d-81-48-06 Sara Holmes Boutelle Papers, Special Collections and Archives, Robert E. Kennedy Library, California Polytechnic State University
  7. Special Service to Be Held Oakland Tribune June 24, 1905
  8. Church Founder Dies Suddenly Oakland Tribune January 27, 1908
  9. Dedication Anniversary Services ad Oakland Tribune August 29, 1936
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