The Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Maria Church was organized in 1888, and in 1899 the building of a log church was begun by the founders, eight families from various parts of Sweden who settled in the area. In 1920 a steeple was added and a bell installed. In 1930 the congregation, which was never large, voted to merge with the Swedish Evangelical Lutheran St. Pauli Church in Aitkin which then became First Lutheran Church.

First Lutheran still owns and maintains Maria Chapel which is used as a place for retreats, picnics, campouts and other church activities.

A group of about 25 community women of various church backgrounds serves as the Maria Ladies Aid and meets monthly for fellowship and projects relating to chapel maintenance. First Lutheran men and youth have also volunteered much labor throughout Maria's history.

Maria Chapel, located on Diamond Lake six miles southeast of Aitkin, is the oldest Lutheran church building in Aitkin County. The building serves as a reminder of the strong faith heritage of the Swedish pioneers who settled here.

The Carl Walz memorial nature trail now winds from the rear of the church to a campfire ring overlooking Diamond Lake.