The Underground Church of Forest Lake at Grace Alliance Church has been awarded the annual Human Rights Award from the city’s human rights commission.

This award will be presented to the Underground Church at the next Forest Lake City Council meeting on Monday, July 23.

The Underground was chosen to receive the HRC Award for several reasons. Its community outreach, intended for the churched and the unchurched provides a safe, affirming atmosphere where everyone is accepted and nurtured.

The accessibility for the disabled, along with the cultural, ethnic, and socio-economic differences is celebrated through guest speakers, music, and fellowship.

Every aspect of the “Underground” is youth motivated and directed; it is managed by several young men and women.

Its rock band, Spirit of ’76, along with sponsored events like the Punk Rock Prom, rock concerts and mission outreach all contributed to the Commissions’ decision to honor.

Other nominees included Tom and Shirley Walden and the Men’s Ministries at Crossroads.

Both nominees have been extremely active in the community. Though now deceased, Tom, and currently his wife Shirley, have been active members of the VFW and are responsible for many programs, one in particular the “Fair for All” program at the VFW which provides subsidized food monthly to those in need.

It serves over 100 families in our community every month.

The Men’s Ministry at Crossroads includes over 70 people who feel called to “help those in need of a hand up, not a hand out.”

Their motto is “offering help to those in need while preserving their dignity.” They have worked closely with the Community Helping Hands with construction needs; and network with various churches in the Forest Lake area.

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