Copyright ©2016 Deborah M. Zajac. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
While over in Minden and Gardnerville, Nevada last Saturday we had a bit of time to kill so I cruised around looking for what else? DOORS! 🙂
The Steeple or Tower caught my eye of Trinity Lutheran Church before I knew what it was so He-Man and I made bee-line to the church.
This may have been the front door at one time, but I think they’re using a door on the East side now. There were quite a few cars in the parking lot on that side, and I did see a large glass door, but didn’t venture over there thinking there was something going on…possibly a wedding. I erred on the side of CHICKEN, and stayed on the north side of the building.
I really like the brick work in the arch entryway, and blond doors. I’m also a huge fan of brass kick plates.
Interesting facts/History:
The church was established in 1877. The first Trinity Lutheran Church in Carson Valley.
The first service in the nearly completed first building was in 1895. The official dedication ceremony for the newly built church was in 1897.
In 1899 a 1,020 pound church bell that was cast in France was installed. I’m guessing the tower holds the bell. Sadly, I didn’t hear it while there, but later that afternoon I heard a church bell, and wondered if this was what I was hearing.
In 1918 the use of German was suspended until after World War I.
In 1930 they selected their first building committee, but the Great Depression in 1931 contributed to the collapse of the first building effort.
1941 World War II begins. Many of their members enter the service 3 of which will not make it back.
Kenneth Storke was killed on the island of Luzon in 1945. His Grandfather, Henry Marquat donated the site for a new church also in 1945.
The following year they selected their second building committee, and in early Fall 1953 they held their last service in the old building.
In the fall of 1953 the new church was dedicated.
A side door closer look
and two plaques that are on the front brick work near the front doors.
The doors are simple yet elegant, and building is beautiful I think.
I’ll be going back to the area before summer is over we’re looking at houses there, and I will stop by the church to see if I can get a look at the East and South sides of the building…and with any luck maybe a peek inside too. One can hope!
This post is part of Norm 2.0’s Thursday Doors. If you love doors and would like to see the doors others are posting, or post doors you’ve photographed and join other door lovers from around the world click here.
At the end of Norm’s latest Thursday Door post is a little Blue Link-up/View button click it to be taken to a page with all the links to view all the posts, and add your own if you’re a door enthusiast too.
More to come…
Circadianreflections Blog 
Yes, I agree, this is a very elegant door. It is touching, the history of old churches. I was just at a Congregational church and thought of you. This one was built in 1835, and had a cemetery attached to it with huge old bur oaks sprinkled about. Are you planning a move?
Thank you Melissa! How cool that you thought of me while at the old church! Did you get photos?
Yes, we’re thinking about moving to somewhere more affordable for our retirement. NV is one state we’re looking in.
Handsome church and doors. I hope they paid the brick masons a good salary because they certainly did some fine work there. 🙂
It is fine craftsmanship isn’t it. Every row seems to line up perfectly.
Thank you for the comment Judy! xx
nice bit of history and yes, the brick work you caught beautifully.
Thank you so much Hana!
As you see I’m behind too. I’ll catch up eventually. 🙂
I love the brickwork around those doors…and the doors are beautiful!
Thank you so much Amy! I have no doubt that kind of masonry work would cost fortune today.
I see what you mean about the brickwork, it’s lovely.
Thank you Jean!
Wow, I like the clean lines of the rebuilt church; your 2nd shot of the door framed in the deep archway was awesome! Good job Deborah!
Thank you so much Gordon!
A beautiful church! And quite a history. I love the portal they created around the front door. Hope you had a good time in Minden.
Thank you so much Jesh! It was a day trip this time. We viewed 6 houses. Wished one house was on another piece of land, but it wasn’t so, we’re still looking. I’ll let you know when we’re headed back and maybe we can meet-up for, lunch, or, drinks and or dinner. Hope you have a lovely week-end!
Great idea!
You have such a nice variety of doors! Love the simplicity of this one, and the history of this church!
Thank you so much Antonia! I’m so glad you enjoyed these doors, and the history! 🙂
Great post. I love learning about the history, and your pictures are beautiful. I can’t stop looking at the close up of the entrance. There have to be more courses of bricks as you move outward, yet it seems impossible for that to be so. The photo has an optical illusion quality to it. I never cease to be amazed at the level of craftsmanship/art that people are able to work into stone and brick structures. Great post, Deborah.
A beautiful building and lovely doors!
Thank you so much Lynn!
Simple elegant doors, and I love that angled brickwork in the entranceways too 🙂
Thank you so much Norm!
Exactly what you said – Simple, yet elegant!
Thank you so much Joanne!