Our History

  The Carnegie Coffeehouse/Spenser's Underground opened its doors in June of 2007.  It began as a shared vision between Steve and Sandy Baskerville.  The Baskervilles wanted to find a way to remember their son Spenser, who passed away in Nov. of 2006. Spenser was an outgoing person who did not let his affliction with severe rheumatoid arthritis dampen his spirit in the least.  He was always willing to talk to anyone about anything, but had an excellent ability to share his faith in Jesus, his Savior, with ease.  A teen centered Christian coffeehouse seemed to be a great venue as a memorial to Spenser.  The vision became a reality with the purchase of the Carnegie Library building in downtown Spirit Lake, Iowa.  Over the ensuing 3 years it became readily apparent that teen and family ministry was the direction God intended for things to go and out of that Spenser's Underground Ministries,(S.U.M.), a not-for profit corporation, was established.  S.U.M. is managed by a five member board with Sandy Baskerville as its Director of Ministries.

Steve & Sandy Baskerville have been residents of the Lakes area for over 14 years.  Steve is a family physician at Lakes Family Practice in Spirit Lake.  Sandy is a full time mom and coffee affecinado.  They have four children, Stephanie 17, Sam 16, Sawyer 14 and Spenser 18.  Spenser (pictured above) went home to be with the Lord Nov. 28, 2006.  Spenser's Underground Ministries and the Carnegie Coffee House are dedicated to his memory.

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