Ingemann Church

 

My sister-in-law, Susan, says these old churches are filled with stories and memories. When I first walked into the Ingemann Church near Moorhead in western Iowa, those stories and memories made themselves felt very strongly. It was easy to imagine the generations of people who attended here all looking over my shoulder and wondering what the heck is that guy doing?

Stories and memories are just part of the history of these churches. It's easy to forget that these old churches have been around for over a century. The steel-bottomed plow was the peak of agricultural technology when some of these churches were built. Civil War veterans are buried in many of their cemeteries. Toilet facilities are outside. These churches link us to our past and also to our future. It's one of the reasons why I suspect many people are drawn to them.

Besides the history they embody, I'm attracted by the simple design of some of these older churches. There's nothing fancy about this entryway, but I like how it's illuminated by the side light from a window. I also like the subtle lighting that gives an otherwise blank wall some interest. And, of course, the main aisle directs the eye straight to the doorway.