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 building in Idaho. It was built by Norwegian pioneer families. These families were homesteaders, meaning they settled on and farmed land given to them by the government. They made their homes in the Big Bear Ridge area. This area is north of Kendrick in Latah County, Idaho.
Building the Chapel
Norwegian settlers in the area wanted to form a church. They met at Edward Dahl's home on July 21, 1902. Their goal was to create a Lutheran church for their community. By late July 1902, plans for the church building were ready. Edward Jones had promised to donate half an acre of land for the church. However, he sold his land to Halvor Nelson. Nelson then added another half acre to the property.
Construction and Design
Construction of the chapel began in 1905. It was built in the Carpenter Gothic style. This style uses wood to create designs that look like stone Gothic architecture. The building was fully completed, both inside and out, by 1908.
Even before the inside was finished, the first church service took place. This happened on December 26, 1905. It was a special day because Halvor Lien and Hilda Slind were married there.
Special Woodwork
A member of the church, Eric Leien, was a skilled woodcarver. He carved many important parts of the church's interior. He made the pews, which are the long benches where people sit. He also carved the altar railing. This railing separates the altar area from the rest of the church. Finally, he crafted the pulpit, which is the raised stand where the minister gives sermons.
A Historic Landmark
The church was originally called the Evangelical Lutheran Church, Bethany Congregation of Kendrick. Today, there isn't an active group holding regular services. However, people in the community still care for the church and its nearby cemetery. They work to keep it in good condition.
On December 18, 1979, the Bethany Memorial Chapel was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is recognized as an important historical site in the United States.
See also
