BISMARCK – The North Dakota Public Service Commission (PSC) recently recognized the Falkirk Mining Co. as the recipient of this year’s Award for Excellence in Surface Coal Mining and Reclamation. The PSC’s Reclamation Division recommended the company be recognized for extraordinary efforts in maintaining public access to the Birka Church and cemetery in McLean County while mining around the church from 2010-2015.

“The compassion and empathy shown by Falkirk for the people of this little church on the prairie enhances the reputation of the entire coal industry,” said Commission Chair Randy Christmann, who holds the coal reclamation portfolio.

The Birka Church and the Falkirk Mine have had a unique relationship through the years, according to the award information. As mining progressed toward the church and its neighboring cemetery, maintaining access and utilities was an ongoing challenge. But with the mine’s efforts to limit hours of operations and to maintain access roads and facilities, along with the congregation’s patience and willingness to adapt, the little church on the prairie was able to carry on its identity without missing a service and today enjoys a vibrant and supportive membership.

According to history provided by the Falkirk Mine, the Birka Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church of Weller was founded in 1906. For several years, services were held in the nearby Leidholm and Carlson School buildings. In 1913, a church was built on the current site on five acres donated by Carl J. Carlson. Services were held there until 1953, when the church steeple was struck by lightning and a fire destroyed the church and most of its contents. The church was rebuilt and by the spring of 1954 services were being held in the building that remains today.

The award was presented to the Falkirk Mining Company during the Lignite Energy Council’s annual meeting in Bismarck last week.