These photos of Silva, in Pierce County west of Devils Lake, were taken in April of 2006. In 2014, a site visitor reported the population of Silva had sunk to 3 residents. This church is Silva Lutheran. We’re told the first wedding conducted in this church was the ceremony of Oliver and Elaine (Dokken) Solheim, December 29th, 1941.
These photos are extras which have been in our archive and are being posted here for the first time. You can see our previous Silva post here.
Photos by Troy Larson and Terry Hinnenkamp, copyright Sonic Tremor Media LLC
Ghosts of North Dakota 
do they bring down the steeple top to save the bell? prevent lightning strikes?this one has a nice stone base,someone spent time on it,nice work.
LikeLike
Re: Church Steeple
I read this on one of the comments about another town.
When the community can no longer take care of it’s church, the last parishiners remove the steeple and place it in the cemetary where it remains with it’s people, forever.
LikeLike
I owned this church for 5+ years in the 1990’s, with hopes of renovating it for an art studio. Purchase price $700. I patched the roof, fixed many broken windows, cleared it of debris. The view from the steeple is fantastic! Sold it a few years later.. My friend Kay bought the house with the blue roof, in hopes of rescuing it. The water table had risen so much in town that her foundation was shot.
LikeLike
Have you guys made any plans to visit Balta (6 miles west of Silva – on the other side of ND 3)? Just curious.
LikeLike
My mother was born in Silva in 1913. Would this be the Lutheran church she was baptized in? While visiting the Prairie Museum in Rugby, we were under the impression that the church moved there was the one from Silva. Could someone clarify please? Thanks.
LikeLike
Yes the Church was moved to the Rugby Museum I think in the 70’s
LikeLike
On my mother’s beautiful Certificate of Baptism it says Trinity Ev. Lutheran Congregation, Silva, N. Dak. June, 18, 1913. Is this church building the same one?
LikeLike
Were there two different churches in Silva at that time? One still there with its tower in the cemetery and another one that was moved to the Prairie Museum? Could I know the exact names of both, please? Thank you so much.
Sharon
LikeLike