“Grace and cultural meaning.” That’s how one preservationist described Bethany Lutheran Church. Now known as Seward Church, it stands here in the Seward neighborhood of Minneapolis.
Seward Church has a rich history. It reflects the changing face of this unique community. Let’s step back in time and explore its story.
Seward itself is one of Minneapolis’ oldest neighborhoods. Its history goes back to the late 19th century. Franklin Avenue became its commercial heart. The arrival of the Milwaukee railroad spurred growth. By 1930, Seward was a fully developed area.
But as years passed, Seward started to decline. Residents formed the Seward Neighborhood Group in 1960. They wanted to revitalize their community. This activism led to the preservation of Milwaukee Avenue’s historic homes.
Now, let’s focus on Seward Church. Once known as Bethany Lutheran Church, it has served the neighborhood for over a century. Its story reflects the community’s evolution. From its Norwegian Lutheran roots to more recent uses.
The final worship service of Bethany Congregation was in September 2021. But its legacy lives on. The Seward Neighborhood Group’s History Committee even held an event. It celebrated the church’s history. They looked at its missions. They talked about its music program. They shared stories of the baptismal font. They cherished the organ. They admired the stained-glass windows.
Augsburg University acquired the church in May 2020. Over time, many social service organizations have used the space. Soup For You! Cafe found a home here. So did a daycare. CTUL and CAIR also used the space. The church hosted Freedom Fighters and Overeaters Anonymous. A gay and lesbian elders group met here. Even an herbalist guild and a Quaker worship group gathered within these walls.
However, the church’s future is uncertain. There were proposals to demolish the historic building. The Somali Museum of Minnesota considered developing a cultural center here. This raised concerns among neighborhood residents.
Redesign Inc. conducted a feasibility study. They explored renovation options. They considered adaptive reuse. They even looked at ground-up construction. But Augsburg University negotiated a sale with the Somali Museum. The plan involves demolishing the building. A new four-story building with a parking garage might take its place.
Some community members are fighting to save the church. They emphasize its historical significance. They highlight its embodied energy. They believe it can continue to serve the neighborhood. They suggest the Somali Museum could integrate into this Scandinavian space. It would represent the community’s diverse groups living and working together.
The debate continues. It mirrors Seward’s ongoing story of change and preservation. The people of Seward are passionate. They saved their community from redevelopment in the past. Now, they are rallying again. They are forming a group to address the potential demolition of Seward Church.
As we stand here, consider the layers of history within these walls. Seward Church represents more than just a building. It embodies the spirit of a community. It shows the community’s struggles. It demonstrates their triumphs. Its future remains unwritten. But its past will always be a part of Seward’s identity.