Renville County to raze Churchill Church; building has fallen into disrepair over years

HECTOR -- A church owned by the Renville County Historical Society since its closing in 1979 will be razed, unless an individual or organization is interested in saving it.

The Renville County Historical Society decided recently that it will no longer continue as caretaker for the Churchill Methodist Church located in Brookfield Township north of Hector, according to Jill Wohnoutka, director of the Historical Society.

It is the last standing structure from what once was the village of Churchill.

The Historical Society is receptive to turning the church over to another owner, but has not heard any interest at this point, Wohnoutka said.

Before the church is razed, the Historical Society is offering an opportunity for people to salvage items from it.

There are window frames, a fir floor, light fixtures, a Wellington piano and other items that the Historical Society hope will be purchased and salvaged by individuals or organizations.

Wohnoutka said the Historical Society purchased the church for $1 when its congregation disbanded in 1979.

The original intention was to move the structure to the museum grounds in Morton, but funds were never raised. The building is falling into disrepair, and the Historical Society would need to raise funds to restore it.

Those interested in salvaging items from the church should call Wohnoutka at 507-697-6147.