These two 19th-century churches display the architectural development of rural church buildings. Valley Grove stands out as they have maintained both buildings, rather than replacing the older one completely upon the construction of the newer one.
This "rural gothic" style Episcopal church was constructed in 1858 — only three years after Northfield was founded. It was consecrated by Bishop Henry Whipple, a well-known state leader who advocated for the rights of Minnesota's indigenous…