County agrees to temporarily take title of historic Bethesda Evangelical Cemetery, plans transfer after maintenance period

County Attorney Shane Baker presented Resolution 2025-44 seeking county acquisition of an abandoned two-acre parcel that was the site of Bethesda Evangelical Cemetery (established Dec. 22, 1886) in Phelan Township. Baker said there are approximately 10 burials at the site with only two visible markers, the church ceased holding services around 1910, and the property had been neglected and vandalized for decades.

Baker explained that Minnesota statutory Chapter 306 provides a process where the county may take possession and maintain the cemetery for a year before transferring it to a responsible party; a local Lutheran congregation has been restoring and maintaining the site and has requested the county adopt the resolution so the congregation can enter a joint-maintenance agreement and, after one year, receive a warranty deed.

Commissioners asked about the recorded deed and the property's correct address in Wilmer; Baker said clerical/address items noted in the draft contract would be corrected. On a motion and second, the board adopted Resolution 2025-44, directing the clerk and chair to sign the agreement and take title so the church can assume full responsibility after the statutory maintenance period.

The resolution sets a one-year maintenance period during which the county will hold title and oversee a joint-maintenance arrangement; after satisfactory performance, the county will transfer title to the congregational steward named in the agreement.