Solid Walls | Open Doors Capital Campaign

Our congregation has embarked on a crucial project to protect and preserve our historic building. In May 2023, the Administrative Council approved the Trustees’ recommendation to initiate a capital campaign, with the goal of raising $500,000 over a three-year period to fund exterior repairs to our 150-year old church. Read our campaign brochure here. As of February 2024, we have raised 90 percent of our fundraising goal in pledges or contributions! Thank you to all who are participating!

The restoration estimate process discovered severe deterioration of limestone window sills, the limestone foundation, and mortar, especially on the eastern face of the building. These damaged areas if left untreated, pose a long-term threat to the structural stability of our main (sanctuary) building. The award-winning Building Restoration Corporation of Roseville, Minnesota, will perform the work. See closeups of deterioration, below. Restoration work is expected to begin in March 2024.

Decorah has a long history of preserving important buildings. Many generations have worshiped in our church, and attended baptisms, confirmations, weddings, and funerals here. We believe using this opportunity to maintain our church building honors all the faithful servants who invested their time and treasure over its long history.

Our campaign theme is “Solid Walls | Open Doors,” which proclaims our intent to continue being a vital, welcoming part of our community and to bring the salvation that God intended for all and for many years to come. Our campaign will require the full cooperation of all our members, and a commitment to go above and beyond our normal financial commitments to support this endeavor. Each member is a vital link in this chain of progress. Individually, we can each contribute to our share of this challenge. Working together, we can achieve our complete goal.

We ask you to keep this important effort in your prayers. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.