Willerup Church Celebrates Our 175th Year of Ministry
Willerup Church has a rich history spanning 175 years, rooted in the vision of the Norwegian-Danish leader Christian Willerup and nurtured by countless dedicated Christians along the way. This year, we invite you to participate in two significant events: the beloved Singing Christmas Tree on December 6, a cherished tradition that brings our community together, and a grand weekend celebration and banquet planned for May 2026. Where have you personally experienced the warmth and support of the Willerup community? Watch for ways you can be included in this monumental event!
We can’t wait to celebrate our shared journey and impact with all of you.
Join us in honoring our past and building our future together!
Click here to submit your Willerup Memories!
A Significant Past with an Exciting Future....means we have a big responsibility!
Willerup History, Archive & Cemetery
Willerup Church is like no other. Our impressive church has played an important role in the story of Scandinavian Christianity, Cambridge and the surrounding area since 1851. After a concerted effort by volunteers, church members and generous families we are open to the public year round. These days, it is an important ancestral research destination in the region and a must-visit site for visitors of all ages. No matter the season or the weather, there’s always something to learn and discover at Willerup. Come and see the Oldest Scandinavian Methodist Church in the world for yourself. Join us for worship Sundays at 10AM!
In 1984, our Children's Choir sang the Norwegian hymn Der Himmelske Lovsang, "The Heavenly Anthem." Please enjoy this recording!
Click the image for a review of Willerup History, prepared for our 170th Anniversary by our Church Historian.
Scroll down for further resources
Are you searching for deceased family members or interested in family ancestry? We can help!
Willerup Methodist Cemetery and its Church was established in 1851 and is identified as the oldest Scandanavian Methodist Church in the World. The Cemetery is located at 414 W. Water Street, Cambridge, Dane County, Wisconsin. The decimal GPS coordinates are 43.00210 and -89.02251. This places the church and cemetery in Dane county, Wisconsin.
History & Archives
Sometimes searching for information about people, places and things can be a daunting task--it is an important journey and significant to the living and our ancestors. It is our commitment to make this area of our website growing and changing as we add stories, details and historical information.
Please contact us at Pastor@willerupchurch.org if you have questions or need assistance in your search. We are honored to help.
Livsreise Norwegian Heritge Center
Livsreise translates to “Life’s Journey.”
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Discover the movement which brought thousands of Norwegians to the area known as Kaskeland. Immigrants woven into the rich fabric of the Wisconsin frontier seized the opportunity to leave their homeland and come to the Wisconsin prairie to make a new life for themselves and for the future generations.
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Livsreise is a fantastic collection of history, culture and technology that will ignite your passion to learn about the Norwegian culture and heritage...and more importantly be inspired to learn more about your own family of origin.
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You can visit Livsreise in Stoughton, Wisconsin