KENYON, MN – Holden Lutheran church is happy to announce the celebration of its 100-year-old church building on October 6, 2024, with a special rededication service, meal, and memorabilia.
Holden Lutheran Church located at 6949 30th Ave Blvd, Kenyon, MN 55946, was established in 1856 as the earliest
Norwegian Synod Church in Goodhue County. Holden helped with the establishment of many other Lutheran Churches.
Holden’s first minister, Rev BJ Muus, established the St. Olaf Academy in the Holden Parsonage, it later moved to
Northfield becoming St Olaf College.
Holden’s first church was built between 1861 and 1871. It was a beautiful wood structure. But after 60+ years the cost of essential maintenance was deemed too expensive, and the congregation grew.
Beginning in 1920 the congregation began raising money through voluntary pledges to build a new church. In 1921 five members of the congregation traveled long distances to visit other church buildings in preparation for the building project at Holden. In 1922 architect Thorwald Thorson from Forest City, IA was hired, and it was decided that no new church building would occur until the needed funds were pledged. In early 1924 the funds had been raised and a construction company was hired. The total cost of the building at the time was $56, 687 which would be slightly over $1 million in today’s dollars.
In March 1924 the old building was torn down board by board by members of Holden in one week and the lumber was
sold at auction. The cornerstone of the current church building was laid on May 18th, 1924, with the dedication of the
new building seven months later, on October 12, 1924. The Wanamingo Progress reported there were 2,100 autos parked and nearly 7,000 people at the dedication of the church. The Kenyon leader gave the dedication front page publicity noting “The new structure built this summer is an attractive and substantial edifice and reflects the character of the hardy and God-fearing people which constitute the membership of the congregation.”
Holden church is a brick structure whose steeple can be seen for miles. The sanctuary has beautiful dark oak woodwork, but the crown jewels are the 10 rare large stained-glass windows that surround the sanctuary. The front window above the altar depicts the Resurrection and the one in the back of the church is Jesus as a Shepherd. A replica of the famous Thorvaldson’s statue of Christ adorns the altar. The large front and rear windows were funded by the congregation and all of the remaining windows, and the altar statue of Christ were donated as special gifs by various congregation members over and above their contributions to the building fund.
The community is invited to a special Holden Lutheran Church service on October 6, 2024, at 11:00 AM. The service
will include a rededication of the building, special music, and excerpts from the original dedication service in Norwegian.
The Holden congregation also welcomes all visitors to a celebratory meal to follow.
About Holden Lutheran Church
Holden Lutheran Church is a rural congregation part of the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church of America). Located at 6949 County 30th Blvd., Kenyon, MN.
We are mindful of God's great blessing, grace, and mercy through 168 years in this place and community. At Holden Lutheran Church we are called to share God's love through our ministry of Choir, Youth Programs, Sunday School, Bible Study, Community Outreach, Adult Education, and Fellowship. Pastor Dustin Haider leads us.
