First funeral held at the Northwood Church since 1958

The funeral and burial of Edna Finley was held on May 18th, 2021, at the Northwood Church, located on Moose River Road, north of Grygla. The last funeral held in the church was Ernest Anderson on August 4th, 1958, though there have been several burials this year, and over the last few decades.

This beautiful, old church that contains so much history inside of it (and so many wonderful stories about it) has been officially closed since 1959 when members of Northwood Church voted to merge with St. Olaf and Valley Church to form Grace Lutheran.

Past members, along with so many of their family members who have connections to the quaint church, located in the quiet, remote woods, have enjoyed an annual picnic since 1997 for most years. However, there wasn’t a picnic in 2020 or 2021, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but plans are already in place to resume the event next summer that so many look forward to.

Northwood Church was first oganized in 1916, culminating the hopes, plans and efforts that started as early as 1911. Trustees, HW Hanson, JJ Rustvold and Ole Tengesdahl, borrowed  $200 from the United Church Extension Fund to help build the church; the money was paid back in 1923, with interest, for a total of $218. The church was built on 3 acres of land by farmers living around Moose River in Northwood Township. The land was donated by Enoch Ellefson for the building and cemetary. 

There is a history book that is so interesting to read, detailing all of the firsts: congregation members, burials, pastors. Then the story goes on to share all of the remodels that have taken place over the years. 

Back then, every household spoke Norwegian so worship and songs were conducted in that language. It wasn’t until the mid-1920’s that the occassional service was held in English.

You can read all about the history of the church in the book, or even take a trip out to the rural church where so many pictures and past memorabilia adourn the walls.

As mentioned, Northwood Church has not housed regular worship services since 1959. But throughout the years, many people have brought the church back to life with reunions, wedding and anniversary celebrations and annual picnics. 

The Northwood Church, in memory of Anna Lee, has been thoroughly restored over the years, which was one of the last wishes of Anna, who died on March 23, 1993, at the age of 92. She was the daughter of one of the original founders of the congregation, Hans W. Hanson. 

The church grounds and cemetrey are immaculately maintained, as well. The Foss family sees to that. They can also be contacted to get a look at the Northwood Church history book that is packed full of so much great information. If anyone cares to look inside the church and spend some time reading past church records, congregation logs, or the many, many writeups posted on the walls that have been shared over the years, get in touch with Jean Foss, who so happily will show you around.

The Northwood “Family” Reunion hopes to resume next July, 2022, where even more stories of the past can be shared and looked back on with love and appreciation.