Steeple Restoration Funds
Update as of December 31, 2025
Our Steeple Restoration Load is Paid in Full! Thank you to all the help and donations to make this possible! With any of the left over money that was collected we will be painting one side of the wooden church this spring.
Update as of: July 27, 2025
Another $30,000 is needed to pay for the steeple restoration in full. Tax-deductible donations may be sent to Valley Grove Preservation Society, PO Box 75, Nerstrand MN 55053, or online.
Original Press Release: November 1, 2024
Old buildings require tender loving care. The two churches at Valley Grove, one built in 1862, the other in 1894, need a lot more care. Most recently, the steeple on the 1894 wooden church required a major restoration.
The finials on the steeple were rotting, as were the 1894 oak timbers holding up the entire bell tower. Copper flashing and new siding were needed. A new window was installed over the restored front door and foyer. Updated electrical wiring and fresh paint on both church steeples ensured that the steeple restoration, completed by River City Builders and Millwork Inc. of Nerstrand MN, will last for years to come.
The Valley Grove Preservation Society was formed in 1973 to save the iconic wooden church. Now volunteers on the board and in the community continue to maintain the buildings and the oak savanna with work days, a September Country Social, and a 10 PM Christmas Eve service. A second annual Sunday vespers service will be offered on December 8 at 4 PM to celebrate the Advent season and the beauty of Valley Grove.
Donors have given in the past to save the wooden church, restore the interior of the 1862 stone church, and preserve the surrounding land and restore the oak savanna that would have greeted the Norwegian immigrants who first settled in that area. Now supporters of Valley Grove are encouraged to support the steeple restoration with online or cash donations.
Online donations may be given on the GiveMn site, https:// www.givemn.org/organization/Valley-Grove-Preservation-Society. Checks payable to Valley Grove Preservation Society may be mailed to Valley Grove, PO Box 75, Nerstrand MN 55053. A donation in any amount could be an excellent holiday gift for friends and family who love to hike at Valley Grove or enjoy the occasional gatherings throughout the year.
Anyone who donates at least $1,000 in 2024 to the steeple restoration fund will be entered in a lottery to win an original framed oil painting, measuring 21x29”, by renowned Minnesota artist Tom Maakestad. Tom grew up near Valley Grove and has painted that view of Valley Grove throughout his career. His parents, John and Bobbi Maakestad were the original advocates for saving the wooden church and starting the preservation society. To learn more about Valley Grove’s history and current activities, go to https:// valleygrovemn.org or email our board president Michelle Roethler at info@valleygrovemn.org.