Sims Historical Society Museum

Sims Scandinavian Lutheran Church was built in 1884 as a residence for the pastor with an upstairs level for church gatherings. A Norwegian School was conducted in the lean-to. It is the oldest Lutheran Church west of the Missouri River. This arrangement continued until 1898 when the present church building was completed. Pastors continued to reside in the parsonage until 1943. The Sims Parsonage was a Preservation North Dakota demonstration project and we were able to help fund a complete exterior and interior restoration. This included tuck pointing, brick replacement, and exterior stucco work as well as priming and painting. Windows were re-glazed and painted. Interior restoration included wall and ceiling repairs, painting and wallpapering, and refinishing wood floors. The building is currently a museum for the Sims Historical Society.

Restoration Project Cost: $15,891.74
Prairie Churches Grassroots Grant: $5,035.75
Local Match: $10,855.99