In 2011, residents of the Leer, Michigan community established the Leer Heritage Foundation (LHF) as a 501 (c)(3) organization to generate funds for perpetual upkeep of the Leer Lutheran Church and surrounding property in the event that the church someday closes. The church community dates back to 1882, when the "Norwegian Lutheran Church Society " first met in the home of Andreas Christopherson.
The church cornerstone was laid on September 7, 1889, and services were first held in the chuch building in 1900. The church continues to hold regular Sunday services for a small but active congregation of about 35 members. The church council currently serves as the Board of Directors for the Foundation, and endowment funds are managed by the Community Foundation of Northeast Michigan. The LHF achieved several major milestones since its founding. In 2011, LHF hosted its first Leer Heritage Days event. The annual event takes place the second weekend in August. In 2012, LHF's endowment achieved its funding goal of $50,000. In 2013, the Leer Lutheran Church Complex was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The LHF and church members host Leer Heritage Days each year on the second weekend in August.
