Preserving Nordic American Churches
Historic Nordic American churches (those with cultural roots in Sweden, Norway, Iceland, Finland, or Denmark) are often the strongest and best expressions of national and ethnic history and artistry in their communities, and play an instrumental role in the intergenerational transfer of cultural heritage. Partners for Sacred Places works to sustain the presence of these churches and preserve their buildings, folk arts, and traditions.
Partners for Sacred Places collaborated with Dordt University to produce this video, which features one of the project participants: Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Viborg, SD.
Churches built by Nordic American communities are increasingly at risk due to shrinking populations, leading to fewer resources to care for buildings and the decorative arts they contain. The Nordic American Churches initiative addresses these concerns with two strategies:
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The traditional artists and artisans who built and decorated these spaces included church women who lovingly embroidered altar cloths. They were carpenters who installed wainscoting, built bellcotes, and crafted altars, pulpits, and pews. They were metalsmiths who designed weathervanes and the occasional light fixture. Church members commissioned altar paintings, which featured prominently at the front of the sanctuary.
These men and women produced work that reflected the community’s culture, identity, and values.
Our work focused on churches of Danish, Finnish, Icelandic, Swedish, and Norwegian heritage located in the Dakotas, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
Support the preservation of Nordic American Churches
Donations to our Nordic Churches project have an immediate, invaluable impact on the communities and congregations we serve. Please help sustain Partners’ critical mission by donating today.