Tuesday, August 11, 2015

On this Date in Minnesota History: August 11

August 11, 1980 – The historic log church built in 1908 for U.S. Steel managers in the mining town of Coleraine, Minn., was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on this date.1







Marker Text:
"The Log Church, 601 Cole Street. The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd was built in 1908, the first church to be completed in Coleraine. John C. Greenway was a member of this parish and it was he who supervised the construction of the church.

It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

It resembles in construction and style the then superintendent’s quarters of the Oliver Iron Mining Company first occupied by Greenway. This log structure, in the Oliver’s general shop area north of downtown, was also a Coleraine landmark but was torn down by the mining company in the early 1950s.

The logs used in the construction of the church were taken from one of the few remaining patches of virgin timber in the area. The interior of the church is built entirely of wood, including the cathedral ceiling. The altar rail and lectern are made of birch logs, still in their natural state. The large stained glass window at the rear of the church was donated by Greenway as a memorial to his young nephew, Addison White Greenway, who drowned in a hunting accident.

The church was dedicated by Bishop J.D. Morrison of the diocese of Duluth on November 15, 1908.

Because of declining enrollment, the last regular church service was held December 26, 1982. In March 1987, Christ Episcopal Church in Grand Rapids deeded the church and its property to the city of Coleraine with certain stipulations.

One was that the city maintain the basic architecture and appearance of the church so that it would continue to qualify for placement on the register of historic sites with the State of Minnesota.

A preservation plan was initiated by the city in 1989 with the replacement of church’s roof, front porch and railings, while volunteers re-stained the log exterior."

1http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Register_of_Historic_Places_listings_in_Itasca_County,_Minnesota

2http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WMDKZJ_The_Log_Church_Coleraine_Minnesota



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If you are interested in finding out more about your family history in Minnesota, I specialize in researching  genealogical and historical records in Minn. and western Wis., including: census records,  birth records,  death certificates, obits, grave site photos, ship passenger lists, marriage records and declarations of intent/naturalization records.  I will visit locations to research local history and county records, as well as take photos. Quick turnaround on MHS records.  Both short searches and family history reports.

Website:  TheMemoryQuilt.com ®  click on Family History

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