Macksburg Lutheran Church (Canby, Or.)

In 1893, Austrian and German immigrants in the Macksburg area began to get together for Lutheran church services in homes. Rev. C. Buechler of Portland came to the area once every three weeks to serve the congregation. Most of the early members of the church were natives of Germany and Austria, and German was the language of the services. The church was completed in 1894. Its design follows that of a similar church in Austria. Mennonite contractors built the church along with local help. The original cost for labor and materials was $237.39. Johann and Rosina Kraxberger, native Austrians, were among the charter members. It is estimated that there are more than 500 Kraxberger descendants who live in the area and attend the church. The church has been recognized by the National Historical Society as a historic site. The congregation celebrated its 90th Anniversary in the summer of 1983.