TOWER- The legacy of the St. James Presbyterian Church and its generous congregation was further cemented here recently as the former parsonage became the new home of the Rynders family. Krystal Rynders, her son Mason, and her daughter Adelyn took possession of the house on March 26 after Habitat for Humanity completed an extensive renovation of the building.
The St. James congregation had gifted the parsonage, which served for many years as residence for the church’s pastor, to the local Habitat for Humanity which, in turn, sold it to Rynders once the work was completed. That work included new appliances and kitchen cabinets, flooring, lighting and bathroom upgrades. The renovation also made the house more energy-efficient, to keep utility costs low. The house has a fenced backyard, which means the family’s dog will have a safe place to play.
All of the work was completed by Habitat volunteers along with the Rynders, who had to put in at least 200 hours of sweat equity as part of the ownership process. “We are building homes with families, not building homes for families,” said Nathan Thompson, executive director of the North St. Louis County Habitat for Humanity.
Thompson stressed that the home is earned by the recipient families involved. Partner families take classes on home ownership, and work with Habitat before and after the home is purchased. They will have an affordable mortgage payment and will also pay property taxes on their new home. “This is not a free house,” Thompson said.
Habitat works on a pay-it-forward model, so the mortgage payment on this home, and others recently built, go to fund the construction and renovation of new homes in years to come. To date, this local Habitat chapter has built 120 homes which pay a total of $93,000 a year in local property taxes. The Rynders house is one of seven Habitat projects in 2025. Thompson said the IRRR also helped fund the renovations at the house and has given Habitat another grant for upcoming projects.
At a brief dedication ceremony held on March 26, Thompson talked about the history of the house, which was special in several different ways.
“St. James’ members planted lots of trees,” said Thompson, “and used the money earned to build this house.” Now, Thompson said, the congregation had donated the house so they could continue to serve their community and this family. “St. James gave us the seed for a new home,” he said. “The house is now ready for a new chapter.”
As part of the dedication, Thompson gave Rynders two gifts: a special bible and a brand-new hammer. The hammer was passed around to everyone attending, reminding Rynders that the house was built with the help of many friends. The hammer, which was brand new, symbolized the new start for the family. Habitat also used the symbol of the hammer, which dates back to Millard Fuller, the founder of Habitat for Humanity in 1965. Fuller felt the hammer was a metaphor for the understanding that their Christian faith mandates that they do more than just talk about their faith and love, but instead to put it into action.
Pastor Richard Blood, who served at St. James back in the 1990s, was on hand to give a blessing during the ceremony.
“This doesn’t happen every day,” Blood said. “Getting to dedicate a house that you used to live in.”
While Habitat usually builds new homes, the non-profit organization’s board was excited to get the opportunity to renovate this house, which doesn’t take as much planning and manpower as building from the ground up.
Steve Burgess, who worked for three years as the construction manager for Habitat, and now serves on the board of directors, said this was “the best day ever.” He thanked everyone who helped on the project and was excited to see all the improvements made.
Current construction manager Tim Officer, formerly of Soudan, helped on this project, going “above and beyond” according to Thompson. Other volunteers included Rynders’ family members, Presbyterian Church members from Ely, and Steve Burgess, among many.
Rynders family
Krystal and her two children, 14-year-old Mason and fifth-grader Adelyn, hope to move into their new home in late April. This will be the first time the family has had a home of their own, and her kids are excited to have their own bedrooms. Krystal is excited for a new and fresh start. She works as a CNA at Waterview Woods Nursing Home in Eveleth, a job she enjoys.
The new house will be a huge upgrade from their current apartment, which is too small for the family, has high rent and even higher utilities. Adelyn is especially excited to have an entire room of her own to decorate. She currently has her bed in a large closet in their apartment.
Habitat home ownership
Habitat families must meet specific criteria, including a demonstrated need for housing, ability to pay a mortgage, and willingness to partner with Habitat. Families must have a stable source of income of at least $30,000 a year (up to 60-percent of the median household income for one’s family size), have manageable debt, responsible credit practices, and live or work in the area.
Partner families must not only donate 200 hours of sweat equity but must recruit relatives and friends to donate another 100 hours. Partner families do not need to make a down payment, but are required to cover closing costs, which are currently around $1,000.
North St. Louis County Habitat for Humanity is a locally run affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry.
If you or your group are interested in volunteering, contact Community Engagement Coordinator Tucker Nelson at tucker@nslchfh.org or 218-780-4594.