The 14-foot statue of Jesus at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Hovland has been in place since 1949. The statue of Christ is now being restored. Mike Garey, Ken Bjorklund, Floyd Bertelsen, Burt Carlsted-Gillis, and Phil Anderson carefully lower the statue.
Many people driving through Hovland have noticed something missing. Since 1949 Trinity Lutheran’s 14-foottall wooden statue of Christ has been on the outside of the church. The statue, designed by Dorothy Diver and Arnold Flaten, and carved by Flaten, is being restored.
The “working together” life of Cook County is evident in Trinity’s story. Church members and other residents, art instructor Arnold Flaten and summer visitors cooperated easily. Some of the lumber for the church came from Otis Anderson’s sawmill. Flaten, a renowned church sculptor and designer, entrusted the completion of the stained glass window and altar to Hovland’s Harold Schupple; Edwin E. Thoreson, Inc. Construction crews assisted with rafters and lifting the statue into place. Funds for restoration were given in memory of Howard Hong, who spent summers in Cook County for more than 60 years before his death in March.
Continuing the spirit of working together, Trinity asked for advice from the art department at St. Olaf College regarding restoration. Trinity members and friends will complete the work. Keep an eye out, the statue will be returned in 2011!
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