c.1930 Minnesota Church For Sale $149K

$149,000

Beautiful Minnesota church for sale or event center located on a corner lot. The property includes offices, natural woodwork, pews, a loft pew area, stained glass windows, and a grand entrance. It features a wheelchair lift, an altar, a choir loft, and a baptismal font. There is a fellowship hall, classrooms, meeting rooms, kitchen facilities, nursery/childcare rooms, an organ, a piano, and a sound system. Additionally, it has storage rooms, restrooms, a parking lot, a bell tower/steeple, outdoor signage, and landscaped grounds.

• 5bed
• 2bath
• 3,200sqft
• 0.48acre lot
• Circa 1930

109 Cleveland Ave W, Winnebago, MN 56098    $149,000

If interested in a property, please contact the realtor whose link is provided in the post below, or contact an agent of your own choosing. Independent verification of details and status is recommended. 

• Contact Realtor: Mike Wilen
  Brokered by Coldwell Banker Realty
• Google Map
• Niche

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Built in 1930, this id the United Methodist Church. They held their last service in July 2022.

The current Methodist Church building, which sits on Cleveland Avenue in Winnebago, is the third church building where the congregation gathered to worship over the decades.

“Our congregation was dwindling in size,” Jaclyn Rynearson, a member of the congregation, says. “There was a shortage of children and we could not get a minister.”

The church building was actually sold in June of 2020.

“Garth Carlson, a fellow member of the congregation, purchased the building,” Danny Rynearson, Jaclyn’s husband, explains. “He allowed us to continue to use the church for free and will still allow funerals and weddings to take place in the church.”

But, finally the decision was made and the congregation, whose original members heard their first Methodist sermon in the fall of 1856 in a log tavern, had their final official service.

Three different church buildings have been home to the congregation with the first building being erected in the early 1870s.

“It was located northeast of the old elementary school,” Jaclyn comments. “The second structure was dedicated on January 12, 1908.”

The congregation’s history book states the second structure was a brick veneer and more up to date. It was calculated to meet the needs of the community for many years.

Unfortunately, that structure would last less than 20 years.

On Feb. 4, 1923, with a temperature of 24 degrees below zero outside, a fire completely destroyed the church.

The fire actually started during a regular Sunday service.

An article in the Fairmont Daily Sentinel, dated Feb. 5, 1923, gives this account.

The building was crowded when Pastor E.H. Knehans smelled smoke and sent the janitor to the basement to investigate. The entire basement was found to be in flames.

The janitor returned and secretly motioned to the pastor to dismiss the congregation.

“Put on our coats and go out calmly,” Knehans told the people. “The church is on fire. Each section take its own door and there will be no danger. Do not crowd but go as quickly as possible.”

The seats in the church were in three sections with a door for each. One door was cut off by fire.

The choir, under the leadership of Mrs. J.H. Sherin at the pipe organ, continued to sing until the building was empty, at which time the flames had burst through the floor in front of the pulpit, where there was a large register.

The loss is estimated at $30,000, with $15,000 insurance. The fire was believed to have started from an overheated furnace pushed to capacity to heat the church during the cold wave.

Church history says the only things saved were the collection plates which the pastor picked up as he left the pulpit.

Nobody was injured in the fire and the evening of that very eventful day all the members of the Official Board and other members of the church met with the pastor in the parsonage.

After prayers of thanksgiving, it was reported the people enthusiastically and unanimously voted to build a bigger and better church to meet the needs of folks in a modern day.

“It was built at a time when Parker Oaks College was in Winnebago and part of the church was constructed so the college choir would have a place to sing,” the Rynearsons explained. “But the college closed one year later.”

The current church was dedicated in 1924, a little over a year after the prior building had burned down.

Now, just short of 100 years since it was constructed, the remaining members of the Methodist congregation will have to find a different place to worship.

“It is sad,” Jaclyn notes. “The members are our church family.” Per Fairbault County Register

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Winnebago, Minnesota, is a small town located in southern Minnesota, nestled in Faribault County. Like many rural towns, it offers a unique set of advantages and challenges, depending on what you’re seeking in a place to live or visit. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of Winnebago:

Pros of Winnebago, MN:

1. Small-Town Charm:
   • Winnebago is a quaint, friendly community where people tend to know each other. This small-town atmosphere can be very appealing to those who enjoy a peaceful, close-knit environment with a sense of belonging.
2. Affordable Cost of Living:
   • The cost of living in Winnebago is relatively low. Housing prices are affordable, especially compared to urban areas, making it a good option for homebuyers or renters looking for a budget-friendly place to live.
3. Natural Beauty & Outdoor Recreation:
   • Winnebago is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, including lakes, parks, and outdoor spaces. Residents and visitors can enjoy fishing, hiking, and nature walks in the nearby areas, like the Winnebago City Park and Loon Lake. The area is great for those who appreciate rural outdoor activities.
4. Proximity to Larger Cities (Mankato & Blue Earth):
   • While Winnebago is small, it is conveniently located between the cities of Mankato (about 20 miles away) and Blue Earth (about 10 miles away). These larger towns offer additional shopping, dining, medical care, and employment opportunities. Mankato, in particular, is a larger regional center with universities, healthcare systems, and a variety of cultural amenities.
5. Strong Sense of Community:
   • The town has an active community with local events, like the Winnebago Summer Festival and various seasonal activities, that bring people together. Volunteerism is common, and many residents enjoy participating in civic groups or school-related events.
6. Good Schools:
   • Winnebago is served by the Winnebago Public School District, which offers primary and secondary education. The schools have a good reputation for their academic programs and extracurricular activities. Small class sizes allow for more personalized attention for students.
7. Safety and Low Crime Rate:
   • Winnebago has a low crime rate compared to larger cities, contributing to a feeling of safety and security. This makes it an attractive place to raise a family or live a quieter life.

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Cons of Winnebago, MN:

1. Limited Job Opportunities:
   • As a small rural town, Winnebago has limited job opportunities, especially for specialized fields or higher-paying positions. Many residents commute to nearby cities like Mankato for work, particularly in sectors such as education, healthcare, or manufacturing. Job seekers may find the local market competitive or limited.
2. Limited Entertainment & Amenities:
   • The town is small and lacks the variety of entertainment options you’d find in a larger city. If you’re looking for theaters, malls, large shopping centers, or diverse dining options, you’ll need to travel to nearby cities like Mankato or even further. For younger people or those seeking nightlife, it may feel a bit quiet.
3. Limited Healthcare Facilities:
   • While Winnebago has basic medical services, more specialized healthcare options are located in nearby Mankato or Fairmont. Residents requiring advanced medical care will likely need to travel for treatment or specialist appointments, which can be inconvenient in the event of an emergency.
4. Weather:
   • Like much of Minnesota, Winnebago experiences harsh winters with cold temperatures, heavy snow, and ice. Winters can be long and challenging, which may not appeal to everyone. In addition, the summer months can be hot and humid, though the weather is generally more temperate than in more southern states.
5. Lack of Public Transportation:
   • As a rural town, Winnebago lacks extensive public transportation options. Residents typically rely on personal vehicles for commuting and getting around. This can be a drawback for those who do not drive or are looking for more sustainable transportation options.
6. Slow Pace of Life:
   • While the slow pace of life in Winnebago may appeal to some, others may find it too quiet or lacking in the fast-paced amenities and opportunities of urban living. There are fewer social events or cultural attractions compared to a larger city, so it might feel isolating to some.
7. Declining Population:
   • Like many small towns in rural Minnesota, Winnebago has seen a decline in population over the years, which can lead to challenges in terms of local business sustainability and the potential for fewer resources or services. This can also affect the local economy and the vibrancy of the community.
8. Educational and Cultural Opportunities Are Limited:
   • While the schools are generally good, there are fewer educational and cultural opportunities beyond the classroom in a small town. Those seeking extensive arts, theater, or specialized educational programs may need to look outside of Winnebago for enrichment.

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Summary:

Winnebago, MN, offers a peaceful, rural lifestyle with affordable living, a close-knit community, and beautiful natural surroundings. It’s an attractive option for those looking for a quieter life away from the hustle and bustle of bigger cities. However, the town comes with challenges such as limited job opportunities, entertainment options, and specialized services. It’s an ideal place for those who prioritize tranquility and a slower pace, but might not be suitable for people seeking a bustling city life or more diverse career prospects. If you value community engagement, safety, and proximity to nature while being close enough to larger towns like Mankato, Winnebago could be a great choice.

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