Tiny Minnesota church undergoing repair work

The Wayside Chapel on Wednesday, Feb 18, 2015, in Winger, Minn. The chapel in Melland Park was dedicated to the town in 1975. (Grand Forks Herald: Logan Werlinger)

FOSSTON, Minn. -- Members of Fosston's Athenian Club have heard a lot of comments about the Wayside Chapel since they built it 40 years ago.

"One of the ladies that got married there said, 'My tree stand is bigger than this chapel,' " club member Clara Manecke said.

Each of the chapel's four pews seat two people. Its shallow altar allows only a few people to kneel, but the limited space hasn't stopped the tiny white church from being the site of numerous services and community gatherings.

Built in the mid-1970s, the little chapel is due for some big repairs, including replacing wood rot around its windows and installing new siding. The Athenian Club, a women's service club, is raising funds to complete the work.

"It's just starting to show it's age," said Vicki Olson, the club's historian.

The group has about $3,000 in grants and donations raised, though they said they're looking for more to fund other projects, such as buying new windows for the church.

"And we're not afraid to ask," Olson said laughing.

Repairs are expected to start this spring with help from local high school students enrolled in building and trades courses at Fosston Public School. Manecke and Olson said they hope to see construction finish up before school ends.

The chapel has been an integral part of the Athenian Group's 90-year presence in the Fosston community.

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Tiny Minnesota church undergoing repair work