Church of the Good Shepherd (Coleraine, Minnesota) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Church of the Good Shepherd
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The church in 2015
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 Location in Minnesota
Location in the United States
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| Location | Off U.S. 169, Coleraine, Minnesota |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1908 |
| Architectural style | log structure |
| NRHP reference No. | 80002081 |
| Added to NRHP | August 11, 1980 |
The Church of the Good Shepherd is a very old and special church located in Coleraine, Minnesota. You can find it near U.S. Route 169. People often call it "The Log Church" because it's built almost entirely from logs! This unique church was finished in 1908.
The Log Church: A Special Place
This church is known for its beautiful log construction. It was built under the watchful eye of John C. Greenway, who was a member of the church community. The logs used to build it came from a forest that had never been cut down before.
Built with Nature's Touch
Inside, the church is also made completely of wood. Imagine walking in and seeing walls, floors, and even parts of the furniture made from trees! For example, the special railing around the altar and the stand where readings are given (called a lectern) are crafted from birch logs. Bishop James Dow Morrison officially opened the church on November 15, 1908.
From Closure to Community Gem
The Church of the Good Shepherd is so important that it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. This list helps protect important historical buildings. Sadly, the church closed its doors on December 26, 1982, because not enough people were attending.
However, the story didn't end there! In March 1987, the church's owner, Christ Episcopal Church in Grand Rapids, gave the building to the city of Coleraine. The city promised to take care of it and make sure it stayed in good condition so it could remain on the National Register.
A group called the Log Church Preservation Committee was formed by the community. They work hard to keep the church looking great and to fix anything that needs repair. Today, the Church of the Good Shepherd is a busy place once again! It's used for weddings, special events, and other community gatherings. It's a wonderful example of how a community can save and cherish its history.
