Was it really a desire to have more English language services that led to the founding of Mount Calvary Lutheran Church? The congregation started in 1923. It separated from the Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church in Saint Paul. Mount Calvary Lutheran Church stands as a testament to faith and community in Minneapolis.
This historic church is on the National Register of Historic Places. It is located one block south of George Floyd Square. The church was built in 1930. An addition followed in 1953. Lang and Raugland designed both the church and the school building. They specialized in the Gothic Revival style.
Lang and Raugland were prolific Minneapolis architects. Mount Calvary Lutheran Church is an exemplary work of theirs. A parking lot was built behind the church in the 1950s. It replaced several homes. Since the 1980s, Mount Calvary has run a food shelf.
In the 2020s, the church faced challenges. It had over a million dollars in deferred maintenance. Funds for repairs were limited. In 2021, the church made a significant decision. It voted to sell the building to a non-profit housing developer. The vote was unanimous.
The total cost to renovate and construct was 23.5 million dollars. This included a new apartment building on the former parking lot. Today, Mount Calvary Lutheran Church shares its space. It serves as a community area for residents during the week. On Sundays, the church rents the space for worship.
The renovated buildings now house apartments. The new building contains 20 units. The historic school building houses 21 units. All units are deeply affordable. This means they are affordable for those making about 33000 dollars for a family of three.
The units vary in size. They include one two three and four-bedroom apartments. Within two weeks of completion every unit was leased.
Today, Mount Calvary Lutheran Church continues its ministry. It is located inside the Belfry Apartments building at 3901 Chicago Ave. The congregation is a tenant there managed by Trellis MN.
Mount Calvary Lutheran Church is known for its welcoming community. It embraces diversity and hospitality. People of all backgrounds find a spiritual home here. The church offers a rich liturgy. It includes strong singing and quality preaching. The sanctuary features a majestic pipe organ and stained-glass windows. It welcomes those who may have felt excluded by other churches.
Mount Calvary Lutheran Church stands as a beacon of faith, resilience and community. It adapts to meet the needs of its neighborhood. Its story reflects a commitment to both its history and its future. A future where faith and affordable housing come together.