Sisters in service

Minnesota churches share strong connection, rich history

Janelle Atyeo
Apr 7, 2023
Apr 7, 2023

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Outside Old Westbrook Lutheran Church in Cottonwood County, Minn., is a huge fieldstone marker. It came from a nearby field farmed by the Iverson family. Hooked with a drain tile plow, the family pulled it from the ground. As plans for a new church sign were discussed, the Iversons offered the rock and had it engraved. “I’m a lover of field rock. I have them around my house instead of shrubs," said Joan Iverson.

Tri-State Neighbor photo by Janelle Atyeo

The parsonage museum is furnished with period pieces, some of which belonged to a pastor who helped found Old Westbrook Lutheran in 1870.

Tri-State Neighbor photo by Janelle Atyeo

Highwater Lutheran member Carol Mattison was delighted when carpet was removed, restoring the sanctuary to the way it looked when she was young.

Tri-State Neighbor photo by Janelle Atyeo

Church Westbrook Highwater History OW Christmas.JPG

A real Christmas, lit with candles, required church members to have wet rags on long polls and sand at the ready to put out any fires during services at Old Westbrook Lutheran Church.

Submitted photo

Church Westbrook Highwater History OW church yard.JPG

Old Westbrook Lutheran is seen from the air, with its cemetery in back and parsonage to the right in the photo.

Submitted photo

Old Westbrook Lutheran’s white altar furnishings are accompanied by a few special pieces made from the tall Cottonwood tree that once stood outside.

Tri-State Neighbor photo by Janelle Atyeo

The dresser and bedframe in the parsonage museum once belonged to Pastor Jacobson, who lived in the tiny home with his wife and 10 children.

Tri-State Neighbor photo by Janelle Atyeo

Janelle Atyeo

In the 4 ½-mile span between two rural Minnesota churches, whitetail deer run through reed-covered marshes and take cover in tree-filled draws.

Church Westbrook Highwater History 1885 (1).JPG — Old Westbrook has had several additions since it was built in 1883
Submitted photo

Church Westbrook Highwater (6).JPG — Old Westbrook’s pipe organ was built by the pastor in the 1960s.
Tri-State Neighbor photo by Janelle Atyeo

Church Westbrook Highwater (35).JPG — The parsonage, built in 1872, once housed a pastor and his 10 children. Once removed from the church grounds, it was returned for the 1970 centennial celebration and has served as a museum ever since.
Tri-State Neighbor photo by Janelle Atyeo

Church Westbrook Highwater (13).JPG — Pastor Mike Stangeland, who has served since 1998, tells about former pastor.
Tri-State Neighbor photo by Janelle Atyeo

Church Westbrook Highwater (63).JPG — Highwater Lutheran Church was built in 1936 after a lightning fire destroyed the original church.
Tri-State Neighbor photo by Janelle Atyeo

Church Westbrook Highwater (53).JPG — Highwater Lutheran Church has been a dual parish with Old Westbrook since 1946.
Tri-State Neighbor photo by Janelle Atyeo

Janelle is editor of the Tri-State Neighbor, covering South Dakota, southwestern Minnesota, northwestern Iowa and northeastern Nebraska. Reach her at jatyeo@tristateneighbor.com or follow on Twitter @JLNeighbor.