History of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church
Ridgeway, MN
Grace Lutheran Church was established following a sequence of small events that led the founding members to recognize the necessity of having their own congregation. When Karl Groth’s elderly mother fell ill and expressed her desire to partake in the Lord’s Supper, Pastor Hacker from Trinity at Wilson couldn’t attend to her needs. As an alternative, Pastor John C. Siegler from St. John’s at Nodine was called upon by the family. This incident, among others, prompted the eight Lutheran families residing in the Ridgeway area to establish their own congregation in July 1907. The newly formed congregation was registered with Winona County in December 1907.
Pastor Siegler led services every other Sunday afternoon at the nearby Methodist Church building. On December 20, 1907, the congregation was formally established. During the organizational meeting, a free-will offering amounting to $100 was collected, which was utilized to purchase an acre of land for the future construction of a church. Some families within the new congregation had previously been affiliated with St. John’s and Trinity churches; they were graciously released to form the new congregation at Grace. Initially, the congregation was known as “Deutsche Evangelisch-Lutherische Kirche von Pleasant Hill Township,” translating to the German Evangelical Lutheran Church of Pleasant Hill Township.
On January 31, 1908, congregants gathered at Karl Groth’s residence to plan the construction of their church. By August 1908, the cornerstone for their new church was set in place, and construction was finished by November of the same year. The total cost for the construction of the new church was $4,500.
In 1910, the congregation joined the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Wisconsin, desiring to ensure that the true Word of God was preached and taught according to the Lutheran Confessions.
At the time the church was first built, costs had been kept to a minimum. At the annual meeting in 1914, the congregation decided to remodel the church.
In 1971, the congregation constructed a new church on the existing property. The construction of the new church was completed and consecrated in 1972, the total cost was $64,900.
The steeple from the original 1909 building was preserved and relocated to a brick foundation adjacent to the new church. However, by 1999, due to deterioration, the steeple had to be removed.
The parsonage was remodeled in 1999 after a fire that claimed the life of Daniel Pries, son of Pastor David and Betty Pries.
Additional history of interest: The first couple married in Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, Ridgeway, MN: August Nothnagel and Rosa (Aldinger) Nothnagel. 10-13-1909. Rosa made her wedding dress at an expense of $3.00; the family still has it.
As children of God, united in faith and worship by the Word of God, Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ridgeway exists to go forth into the world, using the Word of God in its truth and purity to enlighten unbelievers and to strengthen believers for lives of continued Christian service, all to the glory of God.
In 2009, Grace celebrated its 100th Anniversary with a series of events to commemorate its rich history and the contributions of its congregation over the past century. The celebrations began after their regular Sunday morning services with a gathering of its members. Together, they broke bread, symbolizing their unity and shared commitment to the church’s mission.
Following this communal meal, a special anniversary service took place, featuring the attendance of former pastors.. This service provided an opportunity for reflection on the church’s journey, its accomplishments, and the impact it had on the lives of its members and the wider community throughout the years.
The presence of former and guest pastors also added a sense of continuity and connection to the church’s past, present, and future. It allowed the congregation to honor their shared heritage while looking forward with hope and determination to continue the work of Grace in the years to come. Overall, the 100th Anniversary celebrations were a meaningful and joyous occasion for all involved, reaffirming the bonds of faith and fellowship that have sustained Grace throughout its history.
Currently, Grace Lutheran Church is a vibrant congregation gathering together to worship, serve the community, and foster spiritual growth among its members.
Visit our “Pastors Who Have Served at Grace page”