About Us
Built by early settlers to Cook County with donated materials and significant sweat equity, the Old Maple Hill Church opened in 1902 as the Swedish Evangelical Bethany Church. The old church was a place of worship and community gatherings until the last regular church service in 1919.
Through the years the old church continued to be a valued spot for residents and visitors alike. Many throughout the community and beyond hold cherished memories of weddings, funerals of loved ones, worship traditions and special holiday celebrations held within this beautiful building.
When tragedy struck in 1986 and the Old Maple Hill Church burned to the ground, the community quickly responded. With dedication and resolve, the old church was rebuilt, and the site was lovingly restored as a place of gathering and celebration.
Many years have now passed since the site was rebuilt and it remains today a treasured building in Cook County, continuing to make memories for all who gather there.
The Old Maple Hill Church is a 501(c) (3) tax-exempt nonprofit – all donations towards maintaining the building are gratefully appreciated!
Our History
The early settlers held services in their homes and later in the school house at the intersection of County Roads 6 and 8. Families felt there should be a central location and the land at the cemetery was donated by Charles Johnson. His father went to the logging camps to help raise money to build a church. The cornerstone was laid in October 1901, but due to an early winter, the actual construction didn’t start until the following spring. Olaf Berglund, Andrew Hedstrom, Charles Haglund and Peter Backlund were in charge of the construction with the help of other men in the area such as Hans Gilbertsen, Gustav Anderson, Peter Rindahl and others. The women provided meals for the workers.
The first service was held on June 1, 1902 with Reverend Montein from Fargo dedicating the building with services in the morning, afternoon, and evening. Picnics were held in between the services.
In August 1902, an organizational meeting was held at the home of Gustav Anderson. Hans Gilbertsen and August Johnson were elected trustees of the new Swedish Evangelical Bethany Church. Itinerate preachers came to preach. However, August Johnson would often fill the pulpit as a lay preacher. He also played the organ and led the singing. His wife Stina usually led the Sunday School with the help of Olaf Berglund and his daughters Judith and Adeline.
The last regular service was held in 1919. Memorial Day services were started under the leadership of Loren Leng in about 1978 and have been held regularly since. Leng also started the service of Thankfulness held at 2pm on the second Sunday in October. Maple trees have been planted in his memory along the walk.
The orginial church burned down on Christmas Day in 1986. Lloyd K. Johnson offered money to build a new church, a replication of the old one. Others donated to the fund and Fred Anderson was contracted to construct the building. He donated his time and Hedstrom’s donated the lumber. The walk was donated by Fred and Charlene Anderson with money they received for their Golden Anniversary.
Location
90 Maple Hill Dr
Grand Marais, MN 55604
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