Jacobsville Finnish Lutheran Church facts for kids
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Jacobsville Finnish Lutheran Church
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 Location in Michigan
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | Jacobsville, Michigan |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1886 |
| Architect | Leander Sinko |
| NRHP reference No. | 76001028 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 08, 1976 |
The Jacobsville Finnish Lutheran Church is a special old church located near Jacobsville, Michigan. It was recognized as a Michigan State Historic Site in 1977. It was also added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. This means it's an important building with a lot of history!
Contents
History of the Church
Finnish Settlers Arrive
In the late 1800s, many people from Finland moved to the Keweenaw Peninsula. They came to work in the mines and other industries there. The area that is now Jacobsville was first settled in the mid-1800s. However, the community really started to grow in 1884. This was when the nearby red sandstone quarries opened.
Building a Community Church
Jacobsville was mostly home to Finnish families. By 1886, there were enough Finnish immigrants in the area to start a new church group. They called it the Jacobsville Finnish Lutheran Church. It was part of the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Church of America.
At first, church services were held in different places. But in 1888, the church group built their own simple wooden church. In 1891, the church was placed on a strong stone foundation. A year later, in 1892, a tower with a bell was added to the front of the church.
Later Years and Preservation
In 1952, the Jacobsville church group joined with the Gloria Dei Lutheran church in Hancock. The Jacobsville church building is still used for services during the summer months. It still has its original furniture, old-fashioned kerosene lamps, and a wood stove for heating.
In 1975, the church's foundation was made stronger. The roof also got new shingles. Other than these repairs, the church looks much like it did when it was first built. It does not have electricity or indoor plumbing.
What the Church Looks Like
The Jacobsville Finnish Lutheran Church is a one-story building. It is made of wood and has a rectangular shape. A square belltower sticks out from the front of the church. This tower is where the main entrance is located.
The outside walls are covered with wooden siding. The roof is shaped like a triangle (a gable roof) and is covered with cedar shingles. The building sits on the stone foundation that was added in 1891.
Inside, the church is decorated simply. Many of its original features are still there. These include the kerosene lamps that light the room and the stove used for heating. There are also outhouses located near the building.
