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St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church & Parsonage facts for kids
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St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church & Parsonage
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 Location in Minnesota
Location in the United States
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| Location | 412—414 E. Lyon St., Minneota, Minnesota |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1895 |
| MPS | Lyon County MRA |
| NRHP reference No. | 82002986 |
| Added to NRHP | March 15, 1982 |
St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church & Parsonage is a historic church building. It is located at 412–414 East Lyon Street in Minneota, Minnesota. People who moved to America from Iceland built it in 1891. This church is so important that it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. This means it's a special place worth protecting!
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A Church for Icelandic Immigrants
This church served the second-largest group of Icelanders in the United States. People from Iceland started arriving in this area around 1875. Over time, about 800 Icelanders settled in nearby counties. These counties included Lyon County, Lincoln County, and Yellow Medicine County.
Why Icelanders Came to Minnesota
These immigrants were known for their strong interest in public life. They also loved learning and education. They built schools, churches, and libraries. They even started reading clubs. They also created the only newspaper in the United States written in the Icelandic language.
Building the Church
Pastor Niels Steingrimur Thorkalsson helped organize the church group in 1887. But it took until 1895 to form a committee to build the church. They started digging for the foundation that fall. The church building was finished in December 1895.
Church Design and Features
The church is a great example of Carpenter Gothic architecture in Minnesota. This style uses wood to create designs that look like stone Gothic buildings. The church is built with a wood frame. It has overlapping wooden boards on the outside. The church sits on a strong foundation made of limestone.
Special Parts of the Church
You enter the church through the bottom of a tall, three-story bell tower. This tower has a tall, eight-sided point on top called a steeple. Inside the church, you will find a beautiful Gothic-style altar. There is also a curved rail where people would take communion.
National Recognition
Because of its history and unique architecture, the church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. This honor helps protect the church for future generations.