(Spirit Lake)– Representatives of the former Spirit Lake Baptist Church were at Tuesday’s Dickinson county board of supervisors meeting regarding an agreement made six years. It called for the county to preserve the 1800’s vintage church on a public site in exchange for the church granting the land on which the historic building stands to the county for use as parking for the new courthouse.
The fact the church still stands in its original location and that a tower and building have been constructed immediately adjacent to it have representatives of the former church concerned whether the county intends to fulfill its part of the deal.
Supervisor Paul Johnson said the county actively explored several options to preserve the church, including relocating it to Kenue Park. But he said the county’s Conservation Board resisted that, saying it didn’t fit in with their master plan for the park.
Rick Lundgren, a church representative, called on the supervisors to once again approach the Conservation Board on the matter, saying they hold sway over the board.
Supervisor Mardi Allen expressed concern over the cost of moving the structure, saying it’s gone up considerably from original quotes the county received several years ago.
Supervisor Pam Jordan agreed with the Conservation Board’s stance, adding it’s her understanding that moving the structure would diminish it’s historic value.
Supervisors Wayne Northey and David Gottsche disagreed, saying the county should abide by the original agreement and reloate the church. Gottsche eluded to the money the county spent to purchase other neighboring properties and buildings to make way for the courthouse project.
After further discussion, the supervisors agreed to once again study the various options for preserving the church and to contact the Conservation Board on the matter.
