EVERY TIME I SEE an aged church like this shuttered, I am saddened.
Part of that discontent stems from the loss of the old wood-frame church I attended while growing up. It was replaced in the early 1970s by a brick building on the edge of Vesta in southwestern Minnesota.
The “new” church is more practical with no steep steps, everything on one level and more usable space. But it lacks the character of an ornate altar, a balcony, a pulpit looming above the congregation, aged pews, the history of generations worshiping under a roof raised by great grandparents.
Mostly, it lacks memories—of tinseled towering evergreens, singing “I Know That My Redeemer Lives” every Easter, sweeping snow from overboots, men’s hats pegged on hooks in the entry, lining up on the basement steps on Christmas Eve, unwrapping wax paper wrapped sandwiches on the side church steps during Vacation Bible School, kneeling before the congregation in my white dress and white shoes for a blessing on my Confirmation Day…
What memories does this former church in West Concord hold? And why is it no longer a house of worship? Did membership decline/grow to the point that the doors were closed? Did upkeep and maintenance costs become unaffordable?
It appears the church has been repurposed as a home or perhaps apartments. Just like St. John’s Lutheran back in my hometown. That’s a better option than the alternative of a final amen.
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Check back next week for a series of stories about the brick building on the right in these two photos. It’s West Concord’s treasure.
© Copyright 2015 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
I would love to live in an old church – though my mother would say that was sacrilege. c
I’ve seen photos of churches converted into homes in a way that is respectful and beautiful. However, I do understand your mother’s opinion.
In my twenties, I always wanted to live in a barn converted into a house.
we love big spaces above our heads i think..
Yes, that may be it. And I live in a house with only seven-feet high ceilings.
I would love it, too! My husband’s aunt and uncle bought an old church and moved it to their property to live in but that was 9 or 10 years ago and still it sits there…
You should write about this and show us photos. Sounds like an interesting story; churches are not easy to move.
I have to wait a WEEK. Wow what a beautiful structure.
Sorry, Missy, but tomorrow is my “Minnesota Faces” feature and then I typically don’t post on weekends. My series will debut on Monday or Tuesday.
🙂
Last month we received news that our church, Saint Mary’s in Geneva, will be closed. The church is every bit of what you described, a hundred year old white clapboard structure that rises above the pines, set among fields of corn and beans.
To be honest, I detest most modern church architecture. Much of it reflects changes in the theology that embraces modernism without fully understanding the implications. [Sorry to go off on a rant here].
I am sorry to hear this, Greg. What are the plans for the Saint Mary’s church building? Where will you worship?
I, too, feel more at home in an old church. There’s something about aged pews and stained glass windows and wood floors and church spires that comforts me and connects me to the faith of my forefathers. The church I attend, Trinity Lutheran in Faribault, is relatively new, if you term a church constructed in the 90s as “new.” Stunning stained glass windows from the old church were built into the new one and are significant focal points in the sanctuary, narthex and fellowship hall. I am grateful for the deep appreciation for history held by my congregation.
Saint Mary’s will be preserved and used for weddings and funerals.
While I generally detest the design of most churches built after 1950, I admire how some new churches capture the essence of traditional architecture with new materials and a more modern design. It can be done and it can be done beautifully.
I will summarize my opinions of modern church architecture with this short conversation.
“Hey honey, pull in over there, I need to use the ATM.”
“Uh, that’s not a bank, it’s a church.”
I am thrilled to hear that Saint Mary’s will be preserved. Excellent.
Your two-line story makes your point in a way we can all understand. Thank you.
It is so very humbling to see a church like this closed. From the pictures I can tell that the building was constructed to give glory to God and with great care and sacrifice. Thousands of churches have closed across America in the last decade. This is a powerful reminder that, while church buildings are important, the most important part of any church is its people and that God works his wonders often in mysterious ways.
Thank you for that reminder of what truly defines a church and its purpose and for your observations about this church’s construction.
What a lovely old structure. Sad that is is in disrepair. Looks like it used to have a large stained glass. Maybe someday it will be fixed up if it is indeed now a home. At least it hasn’t been torn down.
That’s the solace I take, that at least it has not been torn down.
And, yes, it does appear a large stained glass window once graced this church.
Beautiful Church – brings back memories of childhood for me too 🙂 The church my grandfather helped build is like this one and it was torn down a few years back. At least my grandfather and grandmother got to renew their vows there for the 65th Wedding Anniversary as well as have their funeral services in that church before it was torn down. I have the memories. Take Care.
And no one can take away memories. So happy your grandparents were able to renew their vows in the church where they were married. What a reason to celebrate–65 years of marriage. I’m half-way there.
Love this Church and it saddens me as well to see them declining. My mom tells me this is the “old Baptist Church” that she sometimes attended, but only when the Preacher (who lived on a neighboring farm) would pick them up for Sunday school and take them along. My mom’s family otherwise did not attend church (which make me sad to know). I’m learning alot about my mom through your blog, thanks Audrey.
Jackie, thank you for the info about this church. Just think how that Baptist pastor was ministering to your Mom’s family. What a blessing he was to them.
I understand your feelings about old church buildings. I was raised to believe that the church is the people. The first century Christians met in homes, according to scripture. Where the people are is where the church is.
You are right, Norma. When my great grandparents settled near my hometown, the first worship services were held on their farm.
I love old church buildings as well but so many of them are being abandoned or repurposed, aren’t they? There is one in Mooresville, NC that is now a Mexican restaurant which is a little odd but it somehow works.
Now that would seem odd, a church transformed into a Mexican restaurant. You need to photograph that one your next visit.
Thank you for “beautiful buildings- beautiful people” many are shuttered and or re-purposed. The apparent problem is the few con artists pretending to be ministers (or worse). Sad this exists. like a poorly trained and poorly skilled building contractor or a Police Officer caught committing crime, a Politician that covers how funds arrive—
I’ve seen a couple church buildings that became Camp Bow Wow god or dog? people are choosing. a good dog is a treasure.
Unfortunately, this does happen sometimes…the pretending, the poorly trained, the…
I grew up in this old Baptist church. I have many many memories. They built a new church building on the outskirts of town. The basement became moldy to a point of unreasonable repair costs. Thus the reason for the move.
Thank you for sharing the reason for the closure of this church. There’s always a story.
My wife and I currently own this church in West Concord MN. We’ve had it for 11 years now. We are planning our 40th wedding anniversary event in June in it. No it isn’t used as apartments but we do have someone living there for security purposes. We let people do weddings there for free and have upgraded the seating in the interior. . It has been time consuming because we still both work all the time.. if you ever want to look at it let me know.. I’ve planned a new window for the front that is going to be cool along with 2 old church bells to be installed. It has been the funnest piece of real estate that we have purchased so far.
Gene, it’s been awhile since I wrote this post, but thanks for stopping in to share that you own this church. It sounds like you are doing some wonderful things. And how kind of you to allow couples to marry there in the upgraded interior. An early happy 40th to you and your wife. We just celebrated our 40th in May 2022. We didn’t celebrate in any big way, just quietly.