c. 1931
509 E. Olive St., “The Parsonage”
Owners: Heath Olson & Kody Braisted
Style: 20th-century Gothic Revival

A Lutheran congregation of Germans from Russia built the graceful church at the corner of Whedbee and Olive in 1914, following up in 1931 with this parsonage house, which probably replaced a smaller structure. Among the early ministers who resided here was Conrad Becker in the 1920s and 1930s. After a dispute over modifications to the original German service Becker led the “modernizing” faction elsewhere. The remaining congregation occupied the church until 1959, when they sold to Faith Evangelical Free Church.

It wasn’t until the 1970s that the parsonage came under secular rather than church ownership. One touch from that earlier era still remains: the present office most likely also served as the office for the pastor. Elsewhere, prior owners did some remodeling, particularly in the kitchen, but the present owners have concentrated upon retention or acquisition of period items. Among other objects are the original fixtures in the parlor, dining room, stairs, and master bedroom; a 1931 sink in the small bathroom; and strategically located antique radios. Upstairs, look particularly for a large closet cleverly converted by past owners into a “secret” child’s play area. Near the top of the staircase are historic photographs of the house.

Finally, don’t overlook around the home the original heat registers, designed to mimic the church windows.

Outside, the carefully landscaped yard is the work of the current owners. A glance at the street façade of the house shows that it is little changed from the photographs displayed inside. Although the asymmetrical dormers are unusual, architecturally the dwelling might best be called 20th century Gothic Revival. That style and the unique heat registers recall the affection the original congregation had in the construction of the parsonage, while the furnishings, decor, and interior remodels are a testament to the care given this historic home by owners in the present and recent past.

Doug Ernest