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Holden Lutheran Church
Holden
Statement of Significance
Description of Historic Place
The Holden Lutheran Church building is a one-storey structure with a front-facing gable roof, clapboard siding, an apse, and tripartite tower with a square base and belfry, and octagonal steeple topped by a Roman cross and a weathervane. It was constructed in 1915, a half-block east of Main Street at 4916-49th Avenue in the Village of Holden.
Heritage Value
This structure is significant for its association with early religious practice in Holden, for its association with the Lutheran church, for its Gothic Revival-influenced architectural style and as a village landmark.
The Holden Lutheran Church building represents the importance of religious practice in the early years of the village. Scandinavian settlers began meeting for religious services as early as 1904 in rural homes or schools. Two small groups merged in 1910 and formed the Holden Scandinavian Lutheran Church congregation. They continued to meet in members’ homes, but as their numbers grew they were able to construct their own sanctuary. The value of faith in Holden’s history is seen through the dedication of residents who gave their time, resources, talents, and energy to construct this building as a meeting place for worship. The design elements gave it a grand appearance, inspiring devotion and elevating religion in the community. The congregation went the extra mile to secure funding for an impressive bell; though overall the simplicity of the building materials speaks to the limited means of the prairie pioneers. Holden Lutheran Church was the second religious building constructed and dedicated in Holden, and it was regularly attended by the Lutheran congregation until they disbanded in the spring of 2010.
Holden Lutheran Church is valued for its lengthy association with the Lutheran Church denomination. An influx of Scandinavian settlers, mostly Norwegian, formed the Lutheran congregation in Holden under the constitution of the United Lutheran Church. This association was an important way to remain connected with the homeland and adapt to the new country. The building was a centre for spiritual growth, social connection and charitable endeavour. The sanctuary was reserved for worship and ceremony, but the basement was utilized for suppers, teas, celebrations, and church meetings. The Lutheran Church Women raised funds to help with local utility costs and the pastor’s salary as well as overseas Lutheran ministries. The building reflects the architecture of churches in the native land and stands as a reminder of the long presence of the Lutherans in Holden.
The Gothic Revival influenced style of the Holden Lutheran Church is an important contribution to the village’s built heritage. Gothic Revival elements of the building, including the bell tower with a tall spire, are not found elsewhere in Holden. The steeple was removed in 1980 but was greatly missed by members of the church. It was rebuilt in 1983, using the original design and weathervane. Elements of the building are valued as unique pieces of local history, such as the original 2000 pound bell that was imported from Chicago. The pointed arch windows were originally fitted with plain glass, but over time, funds were donated for the coloured glass upgrade. The building has a dramatic appearance and adds character to the village with its largely unaltered 1915 exterior.
The Holden Lutheran Church is valued as a landmark within the Village of Holden. The tall church spire is visible throughout much of the community. The building is prominently situated across from the Holden Community Hall and close to the village’s main commercial street. It is an anchor which evokes memories of the intrepid pioneers and those who followed them; their baptisms, weddings, and funerals that were held at this site.
Character-Defining Elements
The heritage value of the Holden Lutheran Church is expressed in the form, massing, and materials, particularly:
Exterior
-The steeply pitched front-facing gable roof with wood shingles and exposed rafters beneath the eaves;
-The clapboard siding with corner boards;
-The five-sided apse with two pointed arch windows;
-The tripartite tower (base, belfry, and steeple);
-The octagonal steeple topped by a Roman cross and weathervane with ‘1915’ in the tail; and
-The pattern, style and construction of all original windows and doors, including all pointed arch and coloured glass windows and the front entry double doors.
Interior
-The original wood flooring on the main level;
-The painted burlap covering with chair rail on lower portion of the exterior walls;
-The decorative newel posts and balustrade on the staircase access to the basement;
-The 2000 lb church bell from Chicago
Location
| Street Address: |
4916 - 49 Avenue |
| Community: |
Holden |
| Boundaries: |
Lots 18 to 20, Block 10, PLan 3940W |
| Contributing Resources: |
Buildings: 1
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ATS Legal Description:
PBL Legal Description (Cadastral Reference):
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Plan |
Block |
Lot |
Parcel |
3940W
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10
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18, 19, 20
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Latitude/Longitude:
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Latitude |
Longitude |
CDT |
Datum Type |
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53.231856 |
-112234103 |
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UTM Reference:
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Northing |
Easting |
Zone |
CDT |
Datum Type |
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Recognition
| Recognition Authority: |
Local Governments (AB) |
| Designation Status: |
Municipal Historic Resource |
| Date of Designation: |
2015/01/19 |
Historical Information
| Built: |
1915/01/01 |
| Period of Significance: |
1915 To 2017 |
| Theme(s): |
Building Social and Community Life : Religious Institutions
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| Historic Function(s): |
Religion, Ritual and Funeral : Religious Facility or Place of Worship
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| Current Function(s): |
Community : Public Art or Furnishings
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| Architect: |
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| Builder: |
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| Context: |
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Additional Information
| Object Number: |
4664-0360 |
| Designation File: |
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| Related Listing(s): |
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| Heritage Survey File: |
HS 35444
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| Website Link: |
www.village.holden.ab.ca |
| Data Source: |
Village of Holden |
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