Trinity Lutheran Church in Hovland is hosting the raising of a votive ship (boat) with a fish cake dinner and program on Saturday, September 30th. The dinner begins at 6:00 pm, followed by a presentation on the project featuring the ship’s builder, Mark Hansen, at 7:00 pm.
Duluth Public Television station WDSE is on-hand to film the event as the second half of an upcoming episode of their program “The Slice,” which captures “The unique character, events, and experiences found in northern Minnesota and Wisconsin.”
Hansen, an engaging storyteller and speaker, has been building boats for most of his life. In addition, he is the founder of the North House Folk School in Grand Marais. His talk will center on the history of votive ships, commonly found in the naves of churches in the Nordic and other maritime countries.
Also called a church ship, the votive is a ship model displayed in a church. They are built and given as gifts to the church by seamen and shipbuilders. The tradition of hanging model ships in churches stems from the Middle Ages.
Trinity Lutheran Church of Hovland was formed in September 1909 when two small congregations that met in area homes joined together and called Rev. Carl Eidnes of Bethlehem Lutheran in Grand Marais to be its first pastor. The congregation built a church and began regular services in December 1913.
In 1950, Trinity built a new building in its current location at 4957 East Highway 61 in Hovland. Starting in 2015, the building was improved with a new roof, insulation, updated wiring, proper indoor plumbing, reliable heating, and an addition to accommodate a growing congregation. The work of countless volunteers was honored with a dedication ceremony on August 12, 2018.
There is no cost for the event on the 30th, although a free-will offering is encouraged. For information, contact Pastor William Beckstrand at 218-475-2439 or email trinity@boreal.org.
