I found the doors of First Baptist Church locked while in Garden City this past July.
THE FRUSTRATING FACT for me as a photographer, when I come upon an aged church, is that most often I find the doors locked. I understand. Churches need to protect not only their buildings but also the valuables therein.
My first glimpse of this historic 1868 church.
So, unless you have been inside the First Baptist Church in Garden City or seen interior photos elsewhere, you will simply have to imagine what lies within this church constructed in 1868 a block from the Watonwan River.
Those 1868 cement blocks, up close.
Built of locally-made Geist and Huntzelman cement blocks, the building holds special significance as the earliest known use of concrete blocks in Minnesota. In 1980, the church was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Looking up toward the belfry.
It is built in the Greek Revival style, with a belfry added later. In 1959, a concrete block addition was added at the rear of the church.
How wonderful that this remains a functioning church.
Apparently the structure still functions as a church with the Rev. Harvey Hallada leading 9 a.m. Sunday worship services.
Now sometimes photographers, like my friend Jackie who blogs at “Who Will Make Me Laugh,” find a church door open. Jackie appreciates old churches, barns and drives in the country as much as I do. So be sure to click here to read Jackie’s post showcasing Pilot Mound Lutheran Church in the Chatfield area. She found one gem of a church and several other wonderful old buildings and scenes while on a recent Saturday afternoon drive with her husband.
I’d encourage all of you to follow Jackie and another photo blogger, Dan over at Dan Traun Photography, if you enjoy viewing photographic results of a drive in the country or through the city (that would be Dan).
A side view of the church in Garden City, located 60-70 miles from my home.
I’d encourage you also to find time in 2014 for country drives. There is much to be discovered nearby, in our own backyards, if only we will take the time to look.
FYI: These photos were taken in July during a brief stop in Garden City, south of Mankato along U.S. Highway 169. See posts from the past two days for additional images shot in Garden City.
© Copyright 2014 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Those rough finish cement blocks are so wonderful and similar exist in my “neck of the woods”, also!! I remember growing up and all such buildings were open 24/7 and there were always people to be found in quiet reflection at odd hours (at least, that was my experience in St. Paul). I am very familiar with the Pilot Mound Lutheran Church. You’ll have to pop over to that blog (see comments) to find out why!!!
I had not idea cement blocks existed that long ago, so I found that part of the church’s history especially interesting.
Alright, back I am to Jackie’s blog to read your comment.
Hehe!! Feel like a “ping pong ball” yet??????
Boing, boing. Yes, I do.
On a pogo stick!!!!!!!!
How did you know that I always wanted a pogo stick?
I had one……loved it!!!!!!!! You’ve had a “slighted” childhood! LOL!
Well, my son had a pogo stick and I tried it, but the experience wasn’t so great. Maybe because I was an adult.
You needed an ‘adult’ pogo stick!!!!!
Love the old churches that you feature and have been in a few over my years that really are beautiful inside and out. There is nothing like the look of a country church in the landscape that makes me smile. Today I smiled. That is a good thing.
Yes, a smile is always a good thing. A country church possesses a certain connection to the land and to early settlers, which I think is why they especially appeal to me.
So Simple and Classic – A True Beauty standing the test of time too! I wish the church my grandfather built still stood today – he was a great builder, especially with bricks. Happy Weekend:)
What an intriguing part of your family’s history, to have a family member who built a church. What happened to that church?
It was torn down and I do not know the reason why. So the church is gone, but the cemetery remains where my grandparents are laid to rest.
So sad. Be sure to check out my just posted update on the Blue Earth County Fairgrounds.
Oh, I love this old church, so sad for you that the door was locked, ugh! Were you able to peek in the windows? Thanks for mentioning me and my blog, so very nice of you Audrey. I really did feel like I was getting by with something when I went in that open church in Pilot Mound! I think I let out a shriek when the door knob turned freely. (Now I need to hop on over to check out Dan’s blog)
I know the feeling, Jackie. Typically these churches are locked. But, oh, the joy when you find one open. No peeking in these windows as they were all covered.
Dan just moved his blog to a new address, so I don’t think you will see all of his fabulous past work. Follow him for awhile and you’ll be hooked on his photography.
I love old churches like that, too. And yes, I wish I could go into them! I spent a lovely few minutes in John Knox’s church in Scottland years ago during a rainstorm and I LOVED it!
Any old church claims my heart, or should I say soul?
🙂 I always get sad by former church being used for other purposes. I suppose it’s recycling at its best, but still saddens me.
Saddens me, too, when a church closes.