From now through November 2, visitors to the MonDak Heritage Center in Sidney can view a true artistic masterpiece, a replica of the Brorson Lutheran Church done in Montana agate.
The little church was created by Clara (Malcolm) and Elmer Hagglund of Everett, WA out of agates they collected when they returned to this area to visit Clara's family. Clara had been confirmed at Brorson and had fond memories of the church.
After cutting and polishing the stones, Elmer created the frame out of plexiglass and Clara did the agate work, fixed with glue, one stone at a time. It took the couple 6 ½ months to complete. The church weighs about 50 pounds and is about 30 inches high, 17 inches wide and 29 inches long.
The inside of the church is it's own delight with miniature pews, worshippers and a minister at the pulpit, all created by the Hagglunds.
After the passing of their parents, Hagglunds' daughters brought the church back to Montana and donated it to Brorson Lutheran Church, which in turn gave it to Pella Lutheran Church. It is on loan to the MonDak courtesy of those two entities.
It is truly a delight, and, since admission to the MonDak heritage Center is free, there's no cost to view this wonderful piece of art with such a local appeal. The MonDak is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 1-4 p.m. at 120 3rd Ave. S.E., Sidney.
Reader Comments(0)