Illion Avenue N. & James Avenue N.
On a hill overlooking Cottage Park in North Minneapolis, the Garden of Gethsemane Church is undergoing a major transformation.
The project will correct significant structural problems, fully protect the building from the elements, restore the building's exterior to its original craftsman appearance, restore the original pews and sanctuary, install state of the art mechanical and electrical systems, add new accessible bathrooms and entry, and add significant cosmetic improvements.
Welsh Companies is acting as General Contractor, with The Ackerberg Group as the Developer. A significant share of the construction is being provided by neighborhood and minority contractors.
The church, located just north of West Broadway on James Avenue, was built in 1908 as Forest Heights Congregational Church. Forest Heights was established in 1894 with 80 members. In 1895, the original church building was built on the site. An addition was added in 1900 to better accommodate membership growth. In 1903, Forest Heights celebrated their mortgage payoff by burning their mortgage, followed by commencing construction on a new church, now home to Garden of Gethsemane, in 1908.
In 1947, Forest Heights Congregational Church merged with Pilgrim Congregational Church of Minneapolis. The two churches decided to relocate and sell their existing buildings. A host of ministries have called the church home since then.
In 2003, Garden of Gethsemane purchased the church. By then, the building had suffered from years of neglect. Garden of Gethsemane repaired the roof and windows to help stabilize the building until it could be fully restored.
Construction is scheduled for full completion in January 2009, but a Christmas service is planned. |
3033 Excelsior Blvd. 