something like this happens and they’re small and elderly, that’s kind of it,” said Don Swenson, pastor, shortly aſter the fire. “And then you’ll hear that Such-and-Such con- gregation closes. Tis one doesn’t; it revitalizes.” Tough the building was insured,
Only the basement remained after Big Pembina Lutheran Church near Langdon, N.D., was destroyed by fire last January.
Dakota determination Small N.D. congregation rebuilds after fire I By Dee Entzi
t was about 3 a.m. on Jan. 17, 2014, when Howard Coyle realized, from his window, that his beloved rural church near Langdon, N.D., was engulfed in flames. By dawn, all that was leſt was the basement. “By the time I saw the fire it was
beyond saving. It must have started about an hour before because it was all on fire. Tere was no smoke, just flames,” said Coyle, who lives nearly 5 miles northwest of the church. Cause of the fire was undeter-
mined, but since that devastating day the 45 members of Big Pembina Lutheran Church were determined to rebuild. Eager to preserve their group identity, on Jan. 17 they will dedicate their new structure on the same spot. Te rebuilt church is a more
modern design with fewer square feet. But it includes amenities that
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www.thelutheran.org
the previous building didn’t have— such as running water, restrooms and a kitchen. Big Pembina, which is named
aſter the Pembina Gorge located only miles from the church, origi- nally met in a member’s house—in 1885. During 2014, they were back in members’ homes while they rebuilt the church. Te church that was built in
1908 had an old country charm, its welcoming exterior and tall steeple served as a home for generations of Lutherans. Losing it was like losing a family member. “Most congregations, when
the cost to rebuild a church suit- able for the congregation’s needs with proper updates was significant. Members decided to proceed with rebuilding plans despite financial concerns, moving forward with a faith that also carried them through the last year. Jan. 17 will be a day of celebrating, rather than mourn- ing, with Terry Brandt, bishop of the Eastern North Dakota Synod preaching and dedicating the church. “It will be a festival of remem-
brance and a festival of dedication to continue on in faithfulness in word and sacrament ministry, celebrating God’s goodness and graciousness,” Swenson said. Big Pembina, part of the Wal-
halla-Big Pembina Parish, is thank- ful not only to its extended church family but to the community as well for financial and emotional help in rebuilding. “What began as a tragedy contin-
ued to evolve into determination,” Swanson said. “Tis is a reminder that small is beautiful and will hopefully encourage small congre- gations throughout the country that they can overcome obstacles and triumph in the face of hardship and desolation.”
Author bio: Entzi of Langdon, N.D., is a paramedic who also works for the Cavalier County Republican newspaper.
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