Fire, rebulding, dedication

A plaque notes the fire, rebuilding and dedication of the new Zion Lutheran Church in Oriska. Dave Wallis / The Forum

A cross and a candlestick holder were rescued from the fire and are on display at the new Zion Lutheran Church in Oriska. Dave Wallis / The Forum

The Rev. Dan Faust, a retired Lutheran minister who serves as Zion Lutherans pastor, holds a copy of the Valley City Times Record showing the news of the fire. Dave Wallis / The Forum

ORISKA, N.D. - Even as the Zion Lutheran Church burned to the ground May 16, 2011, the congregation wasnt ready to give up.

As smoke and flames swallowed the 108-year-old building, former Zion president Tom Utke heard them say it over and over again: Were going to rebuild.

Almost one year later, a new church stands. On Mothers Day, the new Zion Lutheran Church hosted a confirmation class of three eighth-graders one whose family has been a member of the church for six generations.

At a time when small, country churches with dwindling memberships are folding, this town of 118 took a leap of faith. They built a new church, not only through their own efforts and donations, but also through the generosity of another church.

Fifty miles northeast of here, the members of Blanchard Lutheran Church had decided to close its doors. Bishop Bill Rindy of the ELCAs Eastern North Dakota Synod contacted the congregation to see if they could help Zion, whose insurance would only pay for the shell of the building. Blanchards members responded with a generosity that surprised even Rindy.

Today, reminders of Blanchard Lutheran are everywhere. The light oak pews are from Blanchard, as is the altar. The collection plates, the baptismal font, the organ, the sound system and the cross atop the building are gifts from Blanchard. The appliances, dishes and the broom and dustpan for Zions yet-to-be-constructed fellowship hall all Blanchard.

See the article here:
Out of the ashes: Town's efforts, another congregation's generosity resurrect Oriska church

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May 15, 2012 at 12:16 am by Mr HomeBuilder
Category: Church Construction