Doreen Rollag is especially looking forward to the open house Sunday because she’ll get to use a new organ. She’s been playing for the church for almost 50 years and isn’t sentimental about the old organ at all.
By Sara Strong
Palisade Lutheran is a stereotypical little country church whose new remodeling brought it up to modern standards. Now its small congregation can comfortably age in a church that’s accessible to everyone, and focus on adding new members.
A special church dedication and open house is Sunday at Palisade Lutheran Church on the western edge of Rock County.
Lifelong member Richard Bakken was chairman of the building committee. He said the overall project was, "smoother than anticipated," considering the difficulties some churches have. Work started in July and was finished in December.
The front steps were removed and the small addition allows the new entryway to include an elevator and stairways going either up to the church or down to the basement.
The efficient use of space blends with the architecture of the original structure.
"It’s a traditional, plain, country church, with a simple addition," Bakken said.
The updates to the church became necessary over time. The old concrete steps went straight up into the church where a cramped entryway moved immediately into the sanctuary.
The stairway was long and nightmarish to navigate in the winter. Escaping heat from storage under it melted snow into ice, and the constant freezing and thawing deteriorated the surface. Top that with heavy doses of salt, and, over time, the steps became difficult to climb — even for members who normally wouldn’t mind them.
The completed project means a lot to the church and has been under consideration for about 10 years. The final decision came when selling its share of a joint parsonage (with First Lutheran in Valley Springs) gave Palisade just enough money to tackle the $162,000 project.
"Otherwise, we would’ve had soup suppers until I don’t know how long," Bakken said.
The church didn’t only meet the cost objective, but the real goal behind the remodel — to make it easier for members to attend church and, hopefully, to attract new ones.
Sustaining the elderly church membership was important to the building committee. "With no new elevator, our time would be limited," Bakken said.
One active member died before he was able to walk up the new steps as he said he looked forward to. Palmer Williamson poured the original concrete steps in front of the church, but his funeral came before he could see the church remodel completed.
The Rev. Ray Heidensen said, "He was a lifetime member and it was important for the family to have the funeral there. And he was so in favor of the project."
Some concrete work was finished just in time for his funeral.
Curt Valnes, president of Design Craft of Luverne, Inc., gets much of the credit for the success of the project. His son, Derek, ran the job on site and Gene Valnes did the interior trim work.
The church retained its unique roof line and the siding even matches around the entire building.
Building committee members included Bakken, Heidensen, Harlowe Sundem, Gary Lingen, Carrole Horn, A.J. Johnson, Kelly Kruse, Mark Bjorneberg and Theresa Kramer.
Playing on
Organist Doreen Rollag has a special interest in the church update. Along with the ease of entry and more space, parishioners will be able to enjoy the sounds of a better organ.
Just enough money was raised to get a new organ to the church in time for Sunday’s open house.
With about 180 members, the church has a congregation of about 80 during Sunday services. Christmas Eve draws a bigger crowd, with about 140 attending this year.
Palisade has even gotten a few new members from non-farming families who recently moved to the country. The small congregation is appealing to its members, who often stay after moving closer to bigger churches.
"Fellowship is so important to us," Rollag said. "As soon as church is over, everyone stands up and starts to talk."
The new design helps facilitate that important time of fellowship after and before church services. Before, the church entryway was small and a few people taking off their coats almost blocked entrance into the sanctuary. Now, there’s plenty of room to hang up coats, take off boots and chat before heading into the service.
Rollag said it’s a wonderful bonus that the extra space looks like a natural fit with the original. She said the church’s simple beauty has always been appreciated by her. "Back when they built it in the ‘30s, the dust was a’ blowing and they had no money — but they had a vision for this church."
Rollag said that it cost just $17,000.
Bakken said, "When it was built in 1939, the location was chosen because it’s close to the roads and is kind of on a hill. It was supposed to be a beacon for the community."
Bakken said that truckers use it as a landmark when they’re on their routes. "It’s still serving its purpose," he said.
This Sunday
Church service starts at 10:30 a.m., with a catered dinner following. The church will have a program at 2 p.m. with recital by musicians who grew up in the church, Dr. Howard Bakken on organ and Jeff Eitreim on trumpet.
Palisade Lutheran Church is located on the junction of Rock County Road 5 and Highway 23.
