Prairie Public to premiere "Prairie Churches"

The prairie is dotted with unique and picturesque churches, many of which are in danger of being lost forever. Prairie Public Broadcasting’s newest documentary, PRAIRIE CHURCHES, preserves the stories of some of these priceless buildings. The program premieres Monday, April 7, at 8 p.m. CT with a rebroadcast on April 13 at 8:00 p.m. (CT).

Producer Kim Stenehjem said the documentary showcases the diverse history and architectural traditions represented by 117 churches throughout Manitoba, Saskatchewan, North Dakota and Minnesota. “We spent three years finding the most beautiful examples of churches from all denominations,” said Stenehjem, “But that’s only a fraction of the wonderful heritage that still exists.”

Stenehjem and the Prairie Public video crew filmed prairie spires, onion domes, and steeples through four seasons. “The documentary is high definition—so the program is breathtaking to watch,” Stenehjem said. “But the documentary is also a fascinating, emotional, and informative look into these monuments of faith.”

Stenehjem said PRAIRIE CHURCHES explores the role churches have in sustaining the history and culture of the vanishing rural landscape of the prairie. Often the first community structure to be built and the last to close its doors, these landmarks represent the hopes and dreams of early settlers and the congregations that currently occupy them.

Production funding for PRAIRIE CHURCHES was provided by the North Dakota Council on the Arts, J.M. Kaplan Fund, North Dakota Humanities Council, the Winnipeg Foundation, and by the members of Prairie Public.