Solem Lutheran Church 9159 County Road 1 SW Kensington, MN 56343 Solem Preservation Peggy Huntley, (320) 986-2478 Marlys Jensen, (320) 965-2763
OUR CHURCH: • Located in the southwestern corner of Douglas County, two miles north of Kensington on County Road 1. • The Solem Preservation Association was formed with the goal of providing for the preservation of the church. • Three fundraising events are held annually: 1. In May, a “Welcome Home” church service and potluck dinner are held with former members taking a part in the service. On this day, the Cemetery Association and Preservation Association also hold their annual meetings. 2. In June, in conjunction with Runestone Days (Father’s Day weekend), the Solem Preservation Association Board puts on an “Old Fashioned” BBQ, pie and ice cream social on Sunday at the church following the parade. 3. In the fall, a Harvest Festival is held with different programs each year. • Solem can be rented for baptisms, weddings, reunions, funerals, meetings and more from May through October.
62 The Churches of Douglas County • 2021
• Solem has kitchen facilities for serving catered meals and coffee, a beautifully furnished chapel, indoor bathrooms and a large dining room. • Upkeep is ongoing, and the Preservation Board is working on several projects. New windows were installed in the dining room and kitchen, the church was sided with vinyl siding, the water pump was replaced, a new kitchen roof and kitchen range were installed. OUR HISTORY: • Solem Lutheran Church was established May 21, 1876, and closed its doors on June 2008. It served the area for 132 years. • The Olof Ohman family lot (Lot #1) is in the Solem Cemetery, which surrounds the church. • Ohman, a Swedish immigrant, discovered the Runestone on his farm in 1898. The Ohman farm and today’s Runestone Park is one mile east across the fields from the church.
