Dedication of Votive Ship

A votive ship, sometimes called a church ship, is a hand-carved model of a sailing ship commonly hung from the ceilings of churches in the Nordic and a few other countries. This Saturday (Sept. 30), you can be part of a that maritime tradition with the raising of a model ship in Trinity Lutheran Church of Hovland. The model was built by Mark Hansen (in photo), a founder and boat-building teacher at North House Folk School, who worked on the wooden ship for a year. Writes Randi Lyders, who brought this opportunity to our attention: "These votive ships … are a powerful symbol of the importance of the sea to these communities. They reflect a long tradition of sailors’ gratitude after a long and dangerous journey; offerings for the protection of ships at sea; and a reminder of loved ones lost at sea. … Mark Hansen, designer and builder of wooden boats and small shelters since childhood, … was considering ways to leave a legacy in craftsmanship. Bill Beckstrand, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church, has been instrumental in furthering the notable architecture and hand-carved features of its worship space. Together, Hansen and Beckstrand hatched a plan for Hansen to to design and build a votive ship for Trinity’s sanctuary to commemorate the community’s relationship with Lake Superior."

The program starts at 6 p.m. Sept. 30 with a fishcake dinner followed by a presentation lead by Mark at 7 p.m.