LCHS focuses on site repairs

The Le Sueur County Historical Society has remained busy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The society recently finished repairs of the old Cleveland Methodist Church, which currently houses many of the society’s artifacts.

In late fall, the large, overgrown lilac hedge on the building’s west side was removed to give better visibility to the building’s exterior in an attempt to deter people from breaking in. According to LCHS, several breaches have occurred at the church in recent years, but none of the artifacts appear to have been taken or damaged.

The church’s stoop, which covered the main entrance, was removed due to its dilapidated state. It was decided not to repair or recreate the structure because of the cost the project would incur.

Once the stoop debris was removed, a work crew replaced bell tower’s old, painted, wood covering with new vinyl siding.

The church’s roof, which had begun to leak, was also repaired and re-shingled. Heyn Brothers of Mankato completed the job.

“When the workmen tore into the building, they found that many of the roof boards were rotten, so we had to sheet the whole roof with plywood before shingling the structure,” explained LCHS President Bill Stangler. “The cost of this work was $15,000. We had to do it. Where else could we store the artifacts contained therein? I hope we have no more financial surprises like this!”

According to Stangler, the actual bell in the Cleveland Church is a significant...

To see more on this story pick up the March 4, 2021 print edition of The New Prague Times, Montgomery Messenger or the LifeEnterprise.