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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 special old church located at 412–414 East Lyon Street in Minneota, Minnesota. People from Iceland who moved to America built this church. It was finished in 1895.
This historic building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. This means it is recognized as an important place in American history.
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A Home for Icelandic Immigrants
This church was very important for the Icelandic community in the United States. Minneota, Minnesota, became home to the second-largest group of Icelandic people in the country.
People from Iceland started moving to this area around 1875. Many families settled in nearby places like Lyon County, Lincoln County, and Yellow Medicine County. About 800 Icelanders made this region their new home.
Building a Strong Community
These Icelandic immigrants were known for being very interested in public life. They also loved to learn and read. They worked hard to create a strong community.
They built schools for their children and started libraries. They also formed reading clubs where people could share books and ideas. They even created the only newspaper in the United States written in the Icelandic language.
How the Church Was Built
The idea for the church started with a pastor named Niels Steingrimur Thorkalsson. He arrived in 1887 and helped organize the church group. It took a few years, but in 1895, a special committee was formed to plan the building.
Construction began in the fall of 1895. The church was completed quickly, by December of that same year. It became a central place for the Icelandic community.
Church Design and Features
St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church is a great example of Carpenter Gothic architecture. This style uses wood to create buildings that look like they are made of stone, with tall, pointed features.
The church is built with a wood frame and has lap siding on the outside. It sits on a strong foundation made of limestone.
Unique Architectural Details
The main entrance to the church is at the bottom of a tall, three-story bell tower. This tower has a unique, eight-sided steeple at the very top.
Inside the church, you can see a beautiful Gothic altar. There is also a curved communion rail where people can gather. These details make the church a special place for worship.
National Recognition
Because of its history and unique architecture, St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church & Parsonage was added to the National Register of Historic Places on March 15, 1982. This honor helps protect the church for future generations.