Expanding their horizons

Church addition underway at Rush River

By Sue Odegard

Growth is in the air at Rush River Lutheran Church in rural River Falls and the faith of parishioners is being translated into action.

Four additional classrooms, an office and expanded fellowship area are being added to the original structure. The parish was founded in 1855. Two other additions have been funded previously: one in 1960 which included Sunday School rooms, and another in 1992, when remodeling included the installation of an elevator.

The church is located near the intersection of CTH Y at Hwy. 29, east of River Falls. The Rev. John Sutherland is the pastor. There are 286 members in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) congregation.

Annual events include a fall dinner and Christmas program. Church members also supply goods to a community food shelf and have an active quilter's group.

The $210,000 building addition is being spearheaded by a member of the congregation, Gene Larson of Quality Builders. Other Building Committee members include: Doris Knutson, Nancy Nelson, Carol Bennett, Arnold Roen, and Betty Swenson.

Groundbreaking for the 40 x 36-foot, two story addition took place last month.

"We are trying to match the siding and roofing materials with the existing structure," Larson said. "We plan to put two stained glass windows used in the original building in the front portion of the new addition."

Larson said the footings have been poured and the basement walls will be constructed soon.

The new office will be in the lower level. At least four classrooms will be added, some with retractable dividing walls. A fellowship room could include the installation of a fireplace, as well.

The project will likely be completed by next spring, Larson said. Parishioners are being asked to commit to a 3-year building pledge to get the project going. Other funding sources include: memorials, ongoing fundraisers and the sale of the former parsonage.