St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Red Wing Receives National Grant for Building Restoration and Community Expansion (Red Wing, Minnesota)

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Red Wing has been awarded a significant grant through a national program aimed at supporting churches that serve as community hubs. The grant, part of a list of 30 congregations nationwide, offers up to $500,000 to help steward architecturally significant sacred spaces. Pastor Amy Larson said the church fits this description and hopes to expand its community offerings with the new funding.

The grant will support the restoration of the church’s century-old building, which was founded in 1886. Larson noted that the congregation is already working on exterior repairs, including stone work, step repairs, and stained-glass window restoration. The grant will assist with additional needed repairs and help make the building more accessible to the broader Red Wing community.

Church leaders aim to use the grant to enhance the building’s availability for local non-profit organizations. Faith in Action, a local ministry, currently meets in the church, and Larson said the congregation wants to address the challenge many non-profits face in finding meeting spaces. The National Fund for Sacred Places will also provide technical assistance, including a space assessment, to guide the church’s plans.

Larson emphasized that the congregation is deeply committed to serving the community. The church has hosted vigils following local tragedies, such as the murder of Sam Nordquist, and has supported initiatives like blood drives and a homeless shelter. These efforts align with the congregation’s core values of compassionate service, partnership, and hospitality.

The church will need to raise an additional $300,000 to match the grant. A congregation member spearheaded the grant application process, which took over a year to complete. Larson expressed excitement about the opportunity to further serve the community through the new funding.

The church’s third floor is also being considered for renovation to provide space for local non-profits. This initiative reflects the congregation’s ongoing commitment to community engagement and support. The grant represents a significant step in the church’s efforts to preserve its historic building while expanding its role as a community resource.

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