Vang Lutheran Church

1906

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 28, 2024

1. Vang Lutheran Church Marker

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From the National Register Nomination prepared by Wanda Melchert, 5/10/2001:
The chronological history of Vang Lutheran Church began with the purchase of Lots 4 and 5 in Block 1 of the village of Manfred in 1905, and the erection of the Vang Lutheran Church structure in 1906. The Ladies Aid Society was the prime mover in completing the fine interior features. Many of the furnishings were purchased and installed during 1907 and the final

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 28, 2024

2. Vang Lutheran Church (southeast elevation)

furnishing of the altar painting was added in 1908. Because of the desire of the Ladies Aid to have a meeting place for social gatherings of the congregation, Lot 6 in Block 1, which contained a house, was purchased in 1913. Over time, it was determined that this home was not suitable to meet their needs; and therefore, in 1918, the house was sold, moved off the property, a rubble-filled concrete basement foundation constructed, and the church rolled onto this new foundation. Also that year, the first periodic English-speaking services were introduced. The embossed tin paneling for the sanctuary was installed in 1920 and 1921. A privy was built in 1928. In 1951, the members elected their first president of the congregation and granted the women equal right to vote. In 1952, the first woman was elected to the Church Council. In 1956 and 1959, two small additions were tastefully added on each side of the bell tower, a coatroom and an enclosure for the basement stairway, respectively. This wood-framed building, with simple massing reminiscent of late Gothic Revival style, was constructed in 1906 with the following: a 28' x 38' rectangular

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 28, 2024

3. Vang Lutheran Church (northeast elevation)

main body with a steeply pitched gable roof whose ridge is 30' from the foundation; an 8'4" x 10' bell tower rising 60' from the foundation, attached to the front of the main body.

The upper section of the bell tower, rising 30' above the rest of the building, consists of an open bell colonnade, a pointed, shingled steeple, culminating with a metal pinnacle. The bell can be seen and heard from all directions through the eight wooden lancet-design openings of equal size that are connected to create the circular bell colonnade. Each lancet-shaped opening is roofed by a mini-gabled dormer, and each dormer connects directly into the steeple symmetrically all around.

Pausing in the archway leading to the sanctuary and chancel, one immediately senses the spaciousness and harmony of this space with all focus directed to the marvelous Gothic style altar. It is through symbolism such as a cross, chalice, and Bible designs embossed in the altar and the pulpit that we learn the specific purpose for the construction of this building, to serve as a Christian house of worship, which it continues as today. The space itself channels one's focus directly to the altar, beginning from the vaulted ceiling of the sanctuary, then forward into the smaller, identically shaped, vaulted chancel ceiling which forms a canopy over the altar. These two symmetrical barrel vaults are joined together by a symmetrically curved, rainbow-shaped facing wall 4' wide. The outstanding features of the sanctuary and chancel include the embossed tin paneling forming the walls and ceiling, and the Gothic style altar; additional fine features include the woodwork, other wood furnishings, and two converted kerosene chandeliers. Another outstanding feature of this space is the excellent acoustics.

Vang Lutheran Church, Manfred, North Dakota, is significant in the ethnic heritage of European settlers from Norway in the broad pattern of settlement during the westward expansion of America; and in the social history of these settlers especially for the important role the Ladies Aid Society played, and for Vang Lutheran Church serving as a witness through the years to the changing customs of this Norwegian-based group of people. Vang Lutheran Church is also architecturally significant for its high degree of integrity among comparable buildings in Wells County, with it serving as the best and last remaining example of a religious structure in Manfred, with its strong structural impact as the most socially and ethnically significant building in Manfred, and with its harmonious and excellent use of materials and furnishings representative of the late Gothic Revival style in American architecture.

Excerpt:  Vang Evangelical Lutheran Church was built in 1906 by immigrants from Norway. It is situated at West LeGrand Street in the small unorganized village of Manfred, North Dakota and is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.