WEST FARGO (KFGO-AM) - The President of the Cass County Historical Society says it was a tough decision but one that had to be made. John Monilaws says the board has voted to demolish the 108 year old St. John's Lutheran Church, the center-piece of Bonanzaville. It was heavily damaged in a fire a week ago.
Estimates to refurbish the structure ranged from $500,000 to more than $1 million. He says that didn't make financial sense for Bonanzaville and it was with "heavy hearts" the board decided to raze the church.
Monilaws says demolition will start as soon as asbestos abatement of the old church is completed. It will be replaced by a similar structure, South Pleasant Church in Christine, North Dakota. It was donated by members after recently being closed. Moving costs will have to be covered by the historical society.