Dr. Lawrence Brynestad Memorial Scholarship

Dr. Brynestad was the pastor at Central Lutheran Church, Winona, MN from 1941 – 1965. Central Lutheran Church had been the Norwegian Lutheran Church in Winona with services every Sunday in both Norwegian and English. Dr. Brynestad came to Central Lutheran and to the Norwegian Church in Cedar Valley, a beautiful nineteenth century, country church, and transformed both congregations. Affectionately known as “Dr. B”, he led his churches by friendship, gentleness, charity, and exemplary character. His leadership led to a much larger congregation. With the dedication of both pastor and congregation, a beautiful new sanctuary was built at the corner of Wabasha and Huff near Winona State University.

By living the teachings of Christ, Dr. Brynestad influenced many in the greater Winona community. The Dr. Lawrence E. Brynestad Scholarship Fund will honor his character, life, and service to the Winona area and his dedication to education and Christianity. Recipients of the scholarship will be from Winona County and demonstrate the charity and dedication to service and education that characterized Dr. B’s life.

Scholarship contact is Joan Haake.