Congregants at Calvary Lutheran Church are coming together to raise money to repair the church’s three-decade-old roof, a feat that is essential to continuing operations and ministries.  

“The roof is kind of a sideline in my thought process because I think the knowledge of the ministries we have available is the greater piece in my mind,” said Robin 

Roush, a long-term member and council president of the church. “But in order to continue those ministries, we need a new roof.” 

Discussions about undergoing a roof repair began over a year ago. After talking through the apparent options, such as abandoning the building for a smaller location, the group ultimately decided that updating the current roof was the best plan.  

It’s a project slated to cost about $50,000. So far, the church has raised about $9,000. 

The roof was originally reconstructed in the 1990s and had a 20-year warranty, Roush said. They’ve stretched that warranty to nearly 30 years at this point.  

“We have no other choice, but the flat portion needs to be replaced. It’s just worn, aged. We’ve had some leaks,” Roush said.  

The architecture of the church is iconic to Evergreen. The building, originally built in the 1950s, has been a church since it was constructed. 

Even more essential, Calvary Lutheran is integral in providing ministries in the Evergreen community. Many people rely on the church.  

“If not repaired, it would affect our ministries,” Roush said. “We have free meals twice a week, we have free clothes closet here, the community garden, we host the Evergreen farmers market, we have a preschool here.” 

The group plans to host a number of fundraising events over the next few months to bolster fundraising efforts. A bingo and casino night will be held at the church on Aug. 26 and church members are working with Rob Quist to plan a silent auction and concert in the fall. They also hope to do a lunch delivery service for employers across Evergreen and Kalispell.  

Donations can be made through the church’s website at calvarykalispell.com. 

The free clothes closet is open on the first and third Thursdays of each month from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Alongside a large clothes selection for men, women and children, the closet also features shoes and hygiene products. Calvary takes donations to the closet at all times. 

Every Thursday, the church hosts a free dinner at 6 p.m. Feeding the Flathead also uses the space on Mondays to offer free meals. The church is also home to a lot of other community events and meetings, such as Alcoholics Anonymous.  

If all goes to plan, 

Roush said construction would occur in September of this year. 

“Blessings come in all sizes,” Roush said. “We are excited for this project to be completed.”  

Calvary Lutheran Church is located at 2200 U.S. 2 East. Sunday services are at 10:30 a.m. 

Reporter Kate Heston may be reached at 758-4459 or [email protected].