Interesting Project: Brighton Methodist Church
At Schaefer Crane Service, we have had the opportunity to assist a variety of different businesses. One of the most unique was the Brighton Methodist Church. In 1984, the ‘Country Church’ was donated to Farmamerica by the congregation after the church closed. With the help of our crane service, the church now sits onsite at Farmamerica in Waseca, Minnesota.
History of the Brighton Methodist Church
The original site for the Brighton Methodist Church was established in 1854 by Reverend John Tidlund for the early settlers in the region. Services were held in homes and schools prior to the church, valued at $1,800 at the time, being built in 1881. The last service was held at the church on October 7, 1984. Shortly after, the church was donated to Farmamerica in Waseca, Minnesota.
Moving of the Brighton Methodist Church to Waseca
This project was a team effort between Webster Brothers and Schaefer Crane Company. One of the big parts of our role in the move was raising the steeple and removing it from the Brighton Methodist Church. The Lafayette-Nicollet Ledger shared the following article of the church move to Waseca.
“In preparation for its move to FarmAmerica at Waseca, the Brighton Methodist Church on the Fort Road had its steeple removed Monday morning. If things go as planned, the building, which was raised off its foundation last week, will start on the first leg of its journey to Waseca tomorrow (Friday). In order to remove the steeple, Dale Kroells, a worker for Webster Brothers, Inc., leaned out of the steeple to cut each corner. After boom operator Steve Schaefer of Schaefer Well Company [now known as Schaefer Crane Company] raised the timber and bell sling, Kroells guided the timbers along either side of the steeple. Once the sling was in place and the final supports cut away, the boom lifted the steeple free, swung it away from the building and set it safely on the ground beside the church. (photos by Ruth Sundeen & Steve Stutsman).”
- Lafayette Newspaper
Interesting Project Series
At Schaefer Crane Service, we do not stick to one industry we do business with. As a result, we find ourselves doing some very interesting projects. Stay tuned for more projects our company has played a role in. Next up in the series: Hermann the German.