FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 11, 2007

Contact: Mary Kate Ryan

(701) 328-2089

CHURCH IN HETTINGER COUNTY, HOUSE IN PORTAL
LISTED IN NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES

BISMARCK – A church in Hettinger County and a house in Portal, North Dakota have been listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The National Register of Historic Places is the federal government’s list of properties it considers worthy of preservation and recognition.

The Neuburg Congregational Church is located in rural Hettinger County, about 26 miles from the nearest town. This white clapboard church served as the religious and community center of a group of Germans-from-Russia. The congregation started meeting in 1898, but the current building was constructed in 1925. The property is primarily significant for its ability to demonstrate how settlers in this remote area of southwestern North Dakota used the church building as the focus of their community, a place for passing on ethnic traditions.

The William E. Metzger House in Portal was built by a locally-prominent banker and politician in 1905. It is an excellent example of the Queen Anne architectural style. It is asymmetrical in facade and plan, with intricate details that extol the talents of the craftsmen who created them – stained glass windows, fine wood moldings, built-in furniture, and a grand staircase in the entry. 

Contrary to some misconceptions about the National Register program, listing in it does not prevent owners from altering their property, restricting the use or sale of the property, or establish times requiring that the property must be open to the public. Entry into the National Register of Historic Places does give a property prestige, provides protection from federally-assisted projects, and provides eligibility for certain preservation financial incentives.

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