Welcome to the Pilgrim Holiness Church, a remarkable structure in Arthur, Nebraska, often referred to as the Baled Hay Church or Baled Straw Church. This unique building was constructed in 1928 at a time when the Nebraska Sandhills faced a scarcity of conventional building materials. Settlers in this region, which is characterized by grass-stabilized sand dunes, had to rely on local resources. Thus, the church was built using baled rye straw, a testament to the innovative spirit of the community.
The church’s construction came about when a group of Congregationalists in Arthur began planning for a place of worship in 1927. The Sandhills’ sandy soil was unsuitable for sod construction, and there were no nearby railroads to transport traditional building materials. As a solution, the community turned to the abundant rye straw, baled and stacked to form walls two feet thick. These walls were then coated with a protective layer of stucco on the outside and plaster on the inside.
Not only is this church significant for its construction method, but it also holds the distinction of being the oldest known straw-bale church in North America. Over time, the church has seen renovations, including a new metal roof and restored exterior walls. Although regular services ceased in the mid-1960s, the building remains a cherished historical landmark, maintained by the Arthur County Historical Society.
The Pilgrim Holiness Church stands as a symbol of the perseverance of early settlers who faced the challenges of the harsh Nebraska environment. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979, ensuring that its story and unique architecture continue to be celebrated and preserved.
Visitors today can explore this piece of history and see firsthand the ingenuity of using baled straw to create a lasting and functional structure. The church not only tells the story of its own construction but also offers a glimpse into the broader narrative of settlement in the Nebraska Sandhills during the early 20th century.
