Nora Unitarian Universalist Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Nora Free Christian Church
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The church in 2017
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 Location in Minnesota
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | Hanska, Minnesota |
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| Area | 4.1 acres (1.7 ha) |
| Built | 1883 |
| Architectural style | Gothic, Queen Anne |
| NRHP reference No. | 88001176 |
| Added to NRHP | August 4, 1988 |
The Nora Unitarian Universalist Church, first known as the Nora Free Christian Church, is a special old church in Hanska, Minnesota. It has a long and interesting history. This church was started by people in Brown County who had different ideas from the main Norwegian Lutheran community.
A New Kind of Church
In the late 1800s, a writer named Kristofer Janson visited the Midwest. He was from Norway and also had different ideas about the Church of Norway. People in Hanska who wanted a new church asked him to be their leader. Janson had already started a similar church in Minneapolis.
He agreed to help and started the Nora Free Christian Church in January 1882. By the fall of that year, the community had collected enough money to build their own church.
Building and Rebuilding
The first church building was finished in the spring of 1883. The very first service was held on July 8, 1883. Just one week later, on July 15, another service took place. But then, on July 21, a powerful tornado hit the area. It completely destroyed the new church building. Some people at the time thought it was a sign of disapproval because the group had different beliefs.
Even after this setback, the community did not give up. They rebuilt the church later in 1883. The new building was officially opened on July 13, 1884. Kristofer Janson loved the Nora church. He spent his summers there, calling it a peaceful "paradise" away from city life in Minneapolis.
A Lasting Legacy
Kristofer Janson returned to Norway in 1893. He continued his work there but stayed in touch with the Nora church members until he passed away in 1917. After him, Pastor Amandus Norman led the church until 1931.
The Nora Unitarian Universalist Church has continued to grow and thrive over the years. Its unique history was recognized when it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988. This means it is an important historical site in the United States.
