Grandin Presbyterian Church to celebrate 125th anniversary

The Presbyterian Church of Grandin, N.D. will celebrate the 125th anniversary of its formation Sunday, June 24.
The celebration will open with an 11 a.m. worship service followed by a family-style ham dinner at the Grandin fire hall.
An anniversary program will be presented at the church at 2 p.m. Former pastors will share commentary and the audience will be invited to join a hymn-sing accompanied by the original pump organ, which was restored for the centennial celebration. A permanent historical display will be dedicated and cake and coffee will be served.
Charlotte Pratt, a local historical curator and past member of the church, has assembled an historical display. It will include artifacts, photos and documents contributed by church members which depict church life over the years. Pratt hopes to “bring the flavor of our church history to life, both past and present.”
On September 3, 1882, sixteen charter members organized the first congregation of the Presbyterian Church. The present church building was constructed in 1899 with Rev. T.D. Whittles presiding. It is quite possibly the oldest structure in Grandin.
Over the years, a basement was added as well as an addition in 1978. The original steeple and bell were destroyed by lightning in 1972. The bell was preserved and sits in front of the church today. Many stained-glass windows were also preserved, adding to the beauty of the present church sanctuary.
At one time more than 163 members were listed on the rolls with over 200 Sunday school members. Fifty-six members are on the rolls at present, representing some family names that are descendents of the earliest members.
At present the church is yoked with the Hunter Presbyterian Church to form the Faith United Parish under the ministry of Rev. Donna Monteith.
For more information about the celebration, contact Diane Thorsrud at 701-484-5645.