No matter where you are in the world taking the backroads can lead to unexpected finds and stories. While driving on a backroad from Wibaux MT towards the North Dakota border old homesteads and rugged land formations popped up here and there. On this warm sunny late afternoon, we bumped along in a caravan of six or so vehicles all heading to a small but significant church surrounded by wide open spaces and rugged hills. Coming around a curve in the distance a small white church came into view. That day we were celebrating a wedding anniversary which had taken place years before the couple was blessed with kids and grandkids. On the day of the wedding, 400 people stood outside of the church to watch the couple exchange vows. The sense of togetherness between the communities in this and surrounding areas touches my heart deeply.

Getting out of our pickup truck the mowed grass crunched under my boots, the sagebrush was scatted on the grassy hills, and the sun was bright making the white of the church really stand out. In the distance, there was a ranch house with barns for livestock and equipment. The sound of children playing and adults laughing brought my attention back to the church. Walking towards this lovely scene one can’t help but smile. I have seen very impressive churches in the United State and Europe, large or tiny they are the outcome of love and hard work. In this remote area, this church was built and loved for over 100 years.

The facts tell you, Scandia Luthern Church was originally organized in 1911 as part of the Norweigian Luthern Church of America. In 1934 the church moved from the local Blue Mountain Area to its current location in Skaar, ND, literally next to the Montana and North Dakota border. The first service after the move was held in December 1934. In 1961 the name was changed to Grace Luthern. In 2011 a celebration was held to mark its 100-year anniversary

Walking up the well-worn wooden steps through the open double doors I paused to take in my surroundings. In the small entryway before entering the Sanctuary on the side table lay the guest book and announcements. In the sanctuary, warm honey-toned wood pews matched the warm honey-toned wood walls and red carpet accented the floors. At the back of the sanctuary, two narrow long arched stained glass windows encased with dark wood accented the wooden cross between them.

Standing gazing across the pews to the windows and listening to people talk and tell stories about the church the identity of this church surfaced. More than the walls it was the life story of so many people, births, weddings, hardships, celebrations, philanthropy, and death. Coming together to worship they came together to help and care for one another.

A Piece of History on the North Dakota Montana Boarder

Off Road Fun

Kindness the Heart of Friendship