PILGER, Neb. -- After holding its final service in January, St. Peter’s Lutheran Church members were able to see the changes and additions to the historical building over the weekend.

The church in Pilger has been a part of the community since the 1900’s and will hold items for the Historical Society of Stanton County.

Amy Petersen, a long-time resident of Pilger, was baptized, confirmed, and married at St. Peter’s and, while it is a bitter sweet moment for her, she appreciates what the Historical Society has done with the building.

“I am encouraged with what is happening," Petersen said. "Like I said, the museum, the Historical Society, has done fantastic work. I mean, they have kept it, it’s well presented, everything they’ve done.”

Petersen’s family has deep ties with the church which runs as far back as her grandma and grandpa. Petersen remembers her mother being the choir director and siblings being a part of the choir.

A particular memory for Petersen was the tornadoes that hit Pilger in 2014 and how the church was an important part of the town during that time.

“With the tornadoes that went through, this was the only large space left standing so that did take on a lot of responsibilities,” Petersen said. “The senior center was down there for months, you know, operating down there. Any community gatherings were hold here.”

LaWanda Petersen, who grew up in Pilger and also had many celebrations at the church, is happy the sanctuary will still be used.

“For the members that went here as the church closed, I think it will be important for the families if they are able to have a funeral here or a celebration," LaWanda said. "Yeah, I think it’s important.”

According to LaWanda, the sanctuary inside of the church will be used for events, such as funerals and weddings, for the next 10 years.

The entrance and the basement of the church holds items such as a 45-Star U.S. flag, a number of veterans uniforms, and a small replica of the church building.

The museum features rooms that display items from the Peter Pilger family, the origin of the town’s name, community anniversaries, and a village dress shoppe.

LaWanda said while the church may not hold services anymore, the building is always going to be her second home.

“This is always going to be my church," LaWanda said. "This is like your comfort. This is when you feel like you’re home is when I’m in this church. It just feels like home to me.”