South Wild Rice Church

South Wild Rice Church
Location Intersection of U.S. Route 81 and Richland County Road 8
Nearest city Galchutt, North Dakota
Coordinates 46°23′1″N 96°44′11″W / 46.38361°N 96.73639°W / 46.38361; -96.73639Coordinates: 46°23′1″N 96°44′11″W / 46.38361°N 96.73639°W / 46.38361; -96.73639
Area 2 acres (0.81 ha)
Built 1883
NRHP Reference # 82001345[1]
Added to NRHP October 22, 1982

The South Wild Rice Church, also known as St. John's Lutheran Church, is a wood frame church located east of the Wild Rice River in the Red River Valley near Galchutt, North Dakota. Built in 1883, with the bell tower having been added in 1897, it was listed on the United States National Register of Historic Places in 1982.[1][2] It is located on a 2-acre (0.81 ha) parcel that includes the church's cemetery, where the first burial dates from 1877. The church's listing on the National Register was based on its connection with the first wave of Norwegian Lutheran settlers in the region, the early settlement of southeastern North Dakota, and its retention of "greater integrity than any other church building in the region."[2]

The church was built by Norwegian immigrants who arrived in the area in the early 1870s. In its early years, the congregation that later built the church met in members' homes or in a log schoolhouse and was one of several congregations served by pastor J. A. Hellestvedt. Hellestvedt was the first Norwegian Lutheran pastor to reside in North Dakota, having settled in the state in 1873.[2]

The church building has not been used for services since 1956, except for occasional events such as baptisms and weddings. However, burial activity in the cemetery has continued.[2]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 Staff (2010-07-09). "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service.
  2. 1 2 3 4 Louis N. Hafermehl (1982). "National Register of Historic Places Registration: South Wild Rice Church / St. John's Lutheran Church" (PDF). National Park Service. and accompanying 3 exterior and 3 interior photos from 1981
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