A Church Building as Art Preserving Immigrant History

Messiah Church”'s compelling interior Architectural Art by Architect Harry Wild Jones
Nancy Powell

BY LINDSEY FENNER

One block from the elaborate American Swedish Institute mansion is a more modest landmark of the Swedish immigrants who made their homes in the Phillips neighborhood. The Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2501 Columbus Avenue South, was once a social center for the Swedish-Minnesotan community. But over the course of a hundred years, the block has dramatically changed. A building that used to be nestled among single-family and duplex homes is now shadowed by a parking ramp.

In an effort to recognize and honor the church”'s social importance, as well as the craft used in the design and construction, the church building is currently being considered for local preservation status. Sue Hunter Weir, a Phillips historian who serves on the Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission, nominated the building for consideration.

Built in 1916, the building was designed by important local architect Harry Wild Jones. His more well-known works include the Lakewood Cemetery Chapel and Butler Square in the Minneapolis Warehouse District. But Jones also took pride in designing affordable, well-crafted churches, according to Hunter Weir. Messiah is one of the few intact examples of Jones”' churches.

Related Images:

Isaiah 43:18-19a Mission drives: hard decision to sell Church, forgetting former things to do something new

BY LOUISE BRITT

On March 1^st, Messiah Lutheran Church voted to put their historic church up for sale.

This has not been an easy decision but the reality is as a church community we could no longer afford to maintain the Historic church building. It is in need of several repairs and as a Church Community we discerned that our trying to maintain an aging building was not the best use of our resources.

Messiah is not the thriving Swedish Immigrant Church of the past. We are a diverse, vibrant, worshiping community of the present. Our ancestors discerned that their call was to share the Gospel, Love and Mission of Jesus Christ through service to our neighbors. This is still our mission and focus today as Messiah Lutheran Church. We strive to fulfill that mission by building beloved community in Christ, one person at a time.

Selling the church will enable us to continue our mission.

We are open to anyone who would like to buy the property.

I am very saddened by the outcry of members of the community who have not contributed to help maintain the building, who did not show up to listening sessions that were published on our webpage and in various printed materials, yet feel they have a voice in what may happen to the property.… Read the rest “Isaiah 43:18-19a Mission drives: hard decision to sell Church, forgetting former things to do something new”

On Sanctuary doors Luther nailed 95 Theses Messiah Congregation “nailed” For Sale sign*

Messiah Church 2501 E. 25th Street. Tops of 700 Car Parking Ramp/Clinics building and 2 Heliports in background
Ben Heath

BY HARVEY WINJE

Five hundred years ago, on October 31, 1517, the priest and scholar, Martin Luther nailed a piece of paper with 95 opinions to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. It would begin the Protestant Reformation.

One hundred years ago, on June 24, 1917, 9-Year Old Messiah Lutheran Congregation dedicated their new Church building at 2501 East 25^th Street, Mpls.

Almost 100 years later, on February 26, 2017, 108-year old Messiah Lutheran Congregation voted to “enter into negotiations to sell that historic church building” by a 31“Yes” to 2 “No” vote giving notice also (on their website) that “we will be updating everyone as the Church Council discerns how to move forward.”

The future of this historic building of worship remains uncertain. It is not clear if or how the building is being marketed. Apparently, a previous offer from Children”'s MN Hospital was contingent on it being demolished by the Congregation to avert the severe criticism of Children”'s MN for their demolition of almost the entire block ten years ago.

The Messiah Congregation moved to 2400 Park Avenue in 2008 and rents the 100 year-old building to Emmanuel Mennonite Church and Centro Nueva Vida Iglesia Apostolica.… Read the rest “On Sanctuary doors Luther nailed 95 Theses Messiah Congregation “nailed” For Sale sign*”