Submitted by Sheila Winstead,
Pinecreek Log Church Committee Member & RCHS Board Member
We feel fortunate to have contracted with Erik Anderson, Tenstrike, of Anderson Yellowstone Log Homes to complete the log portion of the restoration of the Pinecreek Log Church, located at the Pioneer Farm west of Roseau. Our previous log restoration contractor had passed away unexpectedly, leaving us with a partially completed building and not knowing where to turn next. After visiting the site, Mr. Anderson submitted an estimate and signed a contract drafted pro bono for the Society by Michelle Moren.
Work started immediately using the logs left at the site by the former builder, some of which were original and some of which were the replacements previously gathered and shaped. The walls are up, and the openings for the windows and door cut into the structure. There was a wrinkle added when the top logs available for the side walls were found to have notches cut into them for 11 cross tie beams. These beams were part of the original structure and helped to maintain the integrity of the building. However, the beams were not found on site and we decided we had to move forward with this unexpected expense maintaining the original appearance and integrity of the building.
The next step is to install a roof. The original rafters are still there, and we’re hoping to have them reinstalled soon. Once the framework is built, Randy Holmgren has agreed to shingle it. His father, Wayne Holmgren, has rebuilt the six windows needed to replace the deteriorated windows. They’ve all been painted by a volunteer, and Wayne is putting all the painted parts together for installation when the roof is finished.
The Roseau County Historical Society is restoring this, the oldest known church building in Roseau County, completely from donations by the public.
We still need donations to finish the restoration job, and we hope we can convince you that it’s a worthy place to help. If you’re looking for a place to make a tax-deductible donation before the end of the year, we hope you’ll consider the Roseau County Historical Society’s Pinecreek Log Church project.