Historic Grue Church Lefse Fundraiser Draws Iowa Ties
Iowans know a thing or two about preserving rural churches and celebrating Norwegian heritage. This weekend, former Iowans and Scandinavian culture enthusiasts have a unique chance to reconnect with both. The 1891 Historic Grue Church in rural Buxton, North Dakota, is hosting its annual Lefse and Lemonade Fundraiser on Saturday, June 13. The event runs from noon to 2:30 p.m. at the church, located at 1423 168th Ave. N.E., Buxton, North Dakota. Former members, including many with deep Iowa ties, continue to champion the restoration of this historic faith-based landmark.
A Celebration of Norwegian Heritage
Lefse is a beloved staple of Midwestern gatherings, and this fundraiser puts it front and center. The event offers a free lunch of lefse and lemonade from noon to 1 p.m., with free will donations accepted to support the restoration. Organizers encourage guests to bring their own lawn chairs and umbrellas for comfort. A bake sale featuring traditional Norwegian specialties will also be available for attendees looking to take a taste of heritage home.
Music is a major highlight of the afternoon. The Fargo-Moorhead Spelemannslag, an intergenerational group of Hardanger fiddle players and makers from western Minnesota and eastern North Dakota, will perform from 1:20 to 2 p.m. Co-founders of the group belong to the Hardanger Fiddle Association of America. Several musicians have even traveled to Norway to study this unique folk music, which traditionally accompanies dancers.
The Hardanger fiddle itself is a remarkable instrument. It resembles a standard violin but features eight or nine strings. Several of these are sympathetic strings, which ring out naturally even when they are not played by the musician. A display of handmade Hardanger fiddles will be available for guests to view.
Toothpick Model Unveiling
A special highlight of the event is the unveiling of a handcrafted toothpick model of the Grue Church. Jerry Hackett of Shakopee, Minnesota, created the intricate replica. Hackett is an artisan who turns simple toothpicks into detailed treasures, a talent that was featured in an ABC-televised story last fall.
Hackett and his wife Pat moved from Bemidji to Shakopee in 2016. He spends countless hours painstakingly constructing models of iconic structures. His impressive portfolio includes several Minnesota county courthouses, St. Mary's Catholic Church in Shakopee, the historic Duluth Central High School, the Seattle Space Needle, the Eiffel Tower, and the Sydney Harbor Bridge.
Strong Iowa Connections
The Grue Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church holds deep historical significance. Early settlers in the Buxton area named the church to honor the families they left behind at the Grue Church in Kirkenaer, Norway. Sally Hoffman, who grew up in the Buxton area and has documented the church's history, shared the importance of preserving this legacy.
Although the congregation officially disbanded in 2020, the community's dedication to the church remains strong. Hoffman, who now lives in New Mexico, noted that former members are scattered across the country.
We receive a steady stream of visitors and messages from around the United States and the world.
This outreach includes people from Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Oregon, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Texas, Washington state, as well as Norway and South Korea.
Every year, many former North Dakotans send genealogical information, stories, and photos for the church's history project. They also send funds to support the building's restoration. Hoffman noted that some families even plan their own little reunions around the Lefse and Lemonade event. This year, the fundraiser falls on Father's Day weekend, making it a perfect occasion for families to gather and celebrate their roots.
Restoring a Landmark Through Private Effort
Since the congregation disbanded, the 1891 Historic Grue Church project's advisory council has worked diligently to restore the building. Their goal is to transform the church into a vibrant art and cultural center, sustained entirely by private donations and community support. Members hope to rent the space for weddings, baptisms, community gatherings, business meetings, music programs, and other special events. It is a prime example of local citizens taking ownership of their history and ensuring their cultural landmarks endure without relying on government intervention.
The Grue Church is located five miles east of Buxton and one mile north. For Iowans looking to celebrate their Norwegian heritage, support historic preservation, or simply enjoy some good lefse and fiddle music, Saturday's fundraiser offers a great reason for a road trip.