The Grue Church Project
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Initiative
The Grue Church Project began in the summer of 2020 when founder descendants and a design professional first met with the last remaining congregants and the pastor of Grue Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church. The goal of saving the historic Gothic Norwegian-American church building and restoring it to a sacred, cultural and heritage entity was brought to the members' vote. Both Grue Church and Grue Church Cemetery members agreed to transfer Grue Church to the established historic preservation non-profit Buxton in Bloom. By reaching out to descendants of the occupants of the cemetery, the Grue Church Project raised further interest in the restoration project and brought initial financial donations. The Board and Advisors of Buxton in Bloom/Grue Church Project are committed to starting a multi-year three-phased complete architectural renovation project. We welcome support from the community of friends, foundations and corporations in North Dakota and beyond. The Grue Church Project and Friends of Grue Church Project will work to honor the past and secure the longevity and beauty of this significant architectural, historical and sacred space. Once restored, the Grue Church Project will be a home to special events for those connected to the site from around the globe, to friends and families in Norway, and to serve the wide rural community, and nearby residents and visitors with programming. Partnerships and cooperation with university programming, rural art and music programs, museums, historical groups, private services, lectures, panels, reunions, receptions and picnics may occur. Timeline Projected Grand Opening will coincide with the Norway's 2025: National Jubilee of the Bicentennial of Norwegian Emigration Origin On March 17, 1879 sixty-three people met at the home of Knut Rauk to form Grue Evangelical Lutheran Congregation. For the next twelve years, they met in various private homes and schools, until December 19, 1891, when Jakob Evanson Fevold sold a portion of his quarter section in Stavanger Township for $50 to the congregation. The building itself was built by Jorgen Faleide for $3,000 and opened in the autumn of 1891. In-Progress Chronology+ 1879, March 17 Sixty-three people met at the home of Knut Rauk to form Grue Evangelical Lutheran Congregation 1887, July 8 Ladies Aid group was formed. 1889, November 15 Mission Society was formed. 1891, December 10 Wednesday Jakob Evanson Fevold sold (for $50.00) a portion of his SE quarter of section 24 of Stavanger Township to the congregation. The first $1,120 was contributed for the structure. 1891 Autumn The building was built by Jorgen Faleide for $3,000. 1891 Bell was bought by Ladies group which was formed in 1887. It was engraved in 1891 made by Stuckstede. “For Lutherans in particular having a substantial bronze bell was very important,” Zimmerman Saint Louis. The Henry Stuckstede Bell Foundry Co. operated in Saint Louis, Missouri, USA (1888-1931) 1891 Cemetery was established. Church bell was purchased for $250. 1890s Baptismal font and altar were built by member Borre Mikkelson. 1892 Church choir was formed in 1892. Gowns were purchased in 1951. 1892? Organ was purchased by Ladies’ Aid and choir, which was organized in 1892. Mina Ingwaldson was organist for the first three years. 1893, October 13 Deed was recorded. Year the bell was made. 1897 Sara Raugland painting was purchased. 1898 The pews were bought for $7.00 each. Gulbrandsen Piano was founded in Chicago by Axel Gulbrandsen from Oslo. A Gulbrandson piano was purchased by Young People’s Society, which was formed in 1928 (anniversary booklets. ) 1903 The steeple was built. The Young Girl's Organization was formed. 1913 Pressed metal interior paneling was installed. 1928 The Young People's Society was formed and they purchased the Gulbrandson piano. 1932 The church basement was built for a kitchen and dining room. 1951 Choir gowns were purchased by choir (organized in 1892) and the Ladies’ Aid. 1979 Grue Cemetery Association, a non-profit organization, was organized. 2020 Grue Church Project formed under Buxton in Bloom. + Courtesy Hoffman Archival Research 2021 in progress and for additions or corrections, contact...,
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