ST. FRANCIS – The Old Country Church on the Museum of Cheyenne County campus has already weathered many storms. Recent repairs have it ready to withstand whatever is yet to come.

The church, built 110 years ago by immigrant German Lutherans in Northwest Cheyenne County, was moved to the museum grounds in the mid-1980s. The Cheyenne County Historical Society restored the church and maintains it so it can be used for weddings, reunions, programs, sing-alongs, and community gatherings.

In July 2023, Saint Francis experienced a severe hailstorm. The church was severely damaged. Hansen Foundation grant funds helped pay for siding replacement with high quality fiber cement siding and the installation of plexiglass window coverings.

While repairs were being made, the old church bell was discovered intact in the belfry but disconnected. Volunteers helped reconnect the extremely heavy bell to its frame and attach a new rope down to the church vestibule. On Dec. 1 the rope was pulled and the bell sounded. People in the old church sanctuary were overjoyed.