Grandy Union Church

 For the better part of its early existence, nestled within an early pioneer cemetery at

the church’s first location in Section 11 of Cambridge Township, the simple one room country church

held religious and school services spoken in Swedish.

After the railroad arrived in Isanti County in July of 1899, the church was moved to its current location. In

the winter of 1905, it was lifted and transported by skids, rollers, and a team of horses roughly 1.25 miles

northwest into the rapidly growing town of Grandy. Upon its arrival, church services were continued and

opened up for all denominations, where it became known as the Grandy Union Church.

Services continued at the new location in Grandy, and over the years, additions were made to the church

to accommodate its diverse congregation. One of the more notable local organizations had the longest

community involvement in the church. The Grandy Good Cheer Guild was organized in the 1940s and

held several popular fund raising events at the church for decades. In 2017, the Grandy Good Cheer

Guild reached out to the Isanti County Historical Society to discuss the church’s future. After some

discussion and long-term goal-setting, ownership was transferred to the Historical Society.

Thanks to many local donations, one of the first projects after the change of ownership was to replace

the aging roof in 2020. Before being able to open the doors once again, it was important to address the

interior paint. After securing a grant through the Legacy Amendment and the Minnesota Historical

Society, the interior metal walls and ceiling were stripped and repainted in June of 2022.

Moving forward, plans include incorporating a small exhibit space inside the church to share not only the

history of the church but also Grandy as well. With the impending future changes in infrastructure along

Highway 65, a contingency plan that includes a second historical move to the Historical Society grounds

in Cambridge will be explored. But for now, it will remain as an important community landmark in Isanti

County and a testament to the past.