Luther Memorial Church in South St. Paul has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places as a highly intact example of mid-century modern architecture, with the longtime community meeting place carrying memories for many locals from baptism to burial.

Parishioner Maureen Sanford headed the volunteer effort to pursue the federal listing, applying for state grant funds for the application. The submission was made possible through a grant funded by a state appropriation to the Minnesota Historical Society from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

“I think it’s really a feather in the cap for our community,” Sanford said.

A longtime South St. Paul resident, Sanford was baptized in the church and also married there. Her parents, aunts and uncles are buried at nearby Gen

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