South Saint Olaf Church and Cemetery

"What's the purpose of your visit?" asked the young lady at the Noonan, North Dakota border crossing.

As soon as I mentioned I was going to spend the day photographing old churches and cemeteries her face both brightened up and relaxed a little.  She immediately began offering suggestions of places to visit nearby.  The first one she mentioned was South Saint Olaf Church and Cemetery where her parents had been married and where she had loved ones that had been laid to rest.

"Enjoy your trip," she said.

That was an undeniably warm welcome to North Dakota on an otherwise cool and overcast day in late November.

Above is the ornate gate that leads into the churchyard.  Most of the old Lutheran churches I've seen in the area have a similarly styled gate.

Even though it was late morning there was still a light covering of frost on the trees.

I love the eight-sided steeple and all the individual roof elements.

The view from the cemetery.

The cemetery has been in use for over one hundred years.

The walls of the church are entirely finished with decorative tin panels.

A particularly appealing altar that looks as good as new.

The church seated about ninety people comfortably.  All of the windows were covered with "pebbled" glass.

Looking south from the churchyard.

One last look and it was time to go.

This part of the county is named Harmonious Township.

Photographed on November 24, 2018.