Bethany Memorial Chapel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Bethany Memorial Chapel
|
|
 |
|
| Location | Kendrick-Deary Hwy., Kendrick (Latah County) Idaho |
|---|---|
| Area | 2.9 acres (1.2 ha) |
| Built | 1908 |
| Architectural style | Carpenter Gothic |
| NRHP reference No. | 79000798 |
| Added to NRHP | December 6, 1979 |
The Bethany Memorial Chapel is a historic church located in rural Latah County, Idaho. It was built by Norwegian homesteaders. These were families who moved to the Big Bear Ridge area, north of Kendrick, to start new lives and farms. The chapel is a great example of Carpenter Gothic architecture. It was completed in 1908 and is now a special landmark.
Contents
Building a Community Church
Early Plans and Construction
Norwegian families living in the area wanted to create a church. They met at Edward Dahl's home on July 21, 1902. Their goal was to start a Lutheran church for their community. By late July 1902, they had plans ready for the new building.
Edward Jones promised to donate half an acre of land for the church. However, he sold his land to Halvor Nelson. Nelson then generously added another half acre to the property. This gave the community a full acre for their church.
Completing the Chapel
Construction of the chapel began in 1905. The building style is known as Carpenter Gothic. This means it looks like traditional Gothic architecture but is made from wood. The church was fully finished, both inside and out, by 1908.
Even before the inside was complete, the first service took place. This happened on December 26, 1905. It was a wedding for Halvor Lien and Hilda Slind. A member of the church, Eric Leien, carved many important pieces. He made the pews, the altar railing, and the pulpit.
The church was first called the Evangelical Lutheran Church, Bethany Congregation of Kendrick. Today, there is no longer a regular church group meeting there. However, people from the community still take care of the church and its nearby cemetery.
A Historic Landmark
The Bethany Memorial Chapel is recognized as an important historical site. On December 18, 1979, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This list includes buildings, sites, and objects that are important in American history.
See also
