Old Salem Shrine will host a 150th Anniversary Community Reunion marking the generations the church has stood as a symbol of the faith of early German settlers in Minnesota.
Learn more about Old Salem Shrine, or as it was originally known, Salem Evangelical Kirche, at the event from noon to 3 p.m. It will include:
• Church & Cemetery Tours
• Children’s Story Time
• New Landmark Sign Dedication
• Re-enactment of 1931 Reunion Photo
• Ice Cream Food Truck (Free!)
• Beverages
• Bake Sale
Guests can visit with founders’ descendants and hear how the church has held a special place in their families for four and five generations.
Old Salem’s congregation, which formed in 1857, was Minnesota’s very first in the Evangelical Association of North America. It built the current building in 1875. The church building measures 20’6” x 32’ 6”, and measures 14’ from the stone foundation to the eaves, with a tower of approximately 30’. Most of the interior elements are original or of the period, including the potbelly wood-burning stove, wooden pews, kerosene lanterns, and the vintage organ powered by foot pedals.
The preservation and care of Old Salem are funded entirely by donations. Donations from the event will help Old Salem maximize a matching gift challenge up to $6,000 for 2025. The challenge grant has been offered by Old Salem Trustee Gerry Manthei, in loving memory of his parents Florence and Wesley Manthei, and his aunt, Arline Felland, who are buried in the cemetery. Donations can also be made online at
https://oldsalemshrine.org/contributions.
Old Salem Shrine is located at 1505 Upper 55th Street East, Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077. (Note: address is for navigation purposes only; no mail is received at that address.)
Also check out other Nonprofit events in Inver Grove Heights, Food & Drink events in Inver Grove Heights.
