Kabetogama UMC The Kabetogama United Methodist Church is located in the rugged northern wilderness of Minnesota. It seeks to be a Christian Witness to Lake Kabetogama and the surrounding area. The congregation began in 1961 under the leadership of the Mobile Ministry of the United Methodist Church which serves the area. Services were first held in a vacant home in the area, and the church itself was built in 1963. The beauty of the sanctuary is greatly enriched by the hand-carved pulpit, baptismal font, candelabra and altar. These were done by Mr. Herman Melheim, a local resident. The church feels that its ministry is that of a community church, serving the needs of the whole community. Everyone is welcome to attend the worship service and activities of the church. As we feel a special responsibility to you who spend your leisure and vacation time with us, a very special welcome is extended to you, our visitors. In our informal setting, "come as you are" is our invitation. Welcome to Kabetogama United Methodist Church, Crane Lake Chapel and Mobile Ministries. Kabeotgama Church. Crane Lake Church. Mobile Ministry. Welcome to the Minnesota Annual Conference web site link. This site offers resources and information for and about United Methodists in northern Minnesota. Take time to visit the different pages and find something new and useful

Article about the area churches & Mobile Ministry

Herman Melheim

The beauty of the Kabetogama United Methodist Church sanctuary is greatly enriched by the hand-carved pulpit, baptismal font, candelabra done by Mr. Herman Melheim, a local resident.

Hermund "Herman" Melheim was born in 1891 in Sogn, Norway. He arrived in Minnesota in 1915. He purchased six Alaskan reindeer and a sleigh and toured the Midwest during the holiday season. To feed his reindeer, he gathered moss from around Lake Kabetogama. He became known as “The Reindeer Man” who traveled cross-country with his team and sleigh, visiting sick children in hospitals and bringing smiles to parade goers as he joined festivities nationwide.

In 1933, he and wife Lillian built their log cabin not far from the lake. This is where his talent for wood carving came to the light. Needing furniture for the cabin, Herman started carving with a pocket knife and some tools he made himself. “We had lots of good white pine on our property and I had lots of time,” said Melheim.

Mr. Melheim and the Kabetogama United Methodist Church

Read More of Mr. Melheim's Story

9853 Gamma Road, Lake Kabetogama, MN 56669
218-875-3010 Google Map Directions

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