Near Richland in Union County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

St. Paul Lutheran Church

One and one-fourth miles

January 8, 2022

1. St. Paul Lutheran Church Marker

Inscription. Stately church edifices frequently have humble beginnings and so with St. Paul Lutheran Church, one of South Dakota's finest. The humble log church pictured hereon was erected in 1867 by the members of the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Congregation by Brule Creek, an organization created August 12, 1863 but who had no permanent pastor. It was ready for use by Christmas 1868. The name had been changed to St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Congregation in Dakota. The first church council were Kjell P. Ronne, Helge Mathiason and Thomas Olesen. The seats, pulpit and millwork cost $39.50 and its first permanent pastor was (1) J. E. Nesse, who served from 1869 to 1881. The church was used as a parochial school, a common school and a polling place but as the congregation grew, an acre of land across the road to the west was acquired in 1877 and the new church with a high steeple and bell was built and used until 1923. (2) David Lysness served as pastor until his death in 1890 followed by (3) O. T. Nelson, who served until 1895 being succeeded by (4) P. J. Reinertsen, who served until 1918. It was in April, 1910, that the first all

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English services were conducted. (5) A. J. Bergsaker followed Pastor Reinertsen and on July 9, 1922, the present beautiful church was dedicated.

Erected 1966 by the St. Paul Lutheran Church and State Highway Commission. (Marker Number 410.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Religion & Religious Structures • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Norwegian-Americans, and the South Dakota State Historical Society Markers series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1910.

Location. 42° 45.685′ N, 96° 41.278′ W. Marker is near Richland, South Dakota, in Union County. It is at the intersection of 476th Avenue (South Dakota Route 50) and County Road 25, on the right when traveling south on 476th Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Elk Point SD 57025, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in East River.

It is also in the American Midwest,

in the Lewis & Clark Corridor,

in the Corn Belt,

on the prairies,

and on the Northern Plains.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

Photographed by Ruth VanSteenwyk, February 20, 2016

2. St. Paul Lutheran Church Marker

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once Rupert’s Land

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Fort Brule (approx. 0.7 miles away); Giants in the Earth Country (approx. one mile away); Site of First Norwegian Lutheran Church in Dakota Territory (approx. one mile away); Richland Methodist Episcopal Church (approx. 1.7 miles away); Elk Point (approx. 5.1 miles away); First Election in Northwestern United States (approx. 5.3 miles away); The Great Missouri River (approx. 5.3 miles away); Homestead Rest Area (approx. 5.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richland.

Photographed by Ruth VanSteenwyk, February 20, 2016

3. St. Paul Lutheran Church Marker

St. Paul Lutheran Church Marker, from the south image. Click for full size.

January 8, 2022

4. St. Paul Lutheran Church Marker, from the south

View of St. Paul Lutheran Church at the marker. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Ruth VanSteenwyk, February 20, 2016

5. View of St. Paul Lutheran Church at the marker.

St. Paul Lutheran Church image. Click for full size.

January 8, 2022

6. St. Paul Lutheran Church

St. Paul Lutheran Church Cornerstone image. Click for full size.

January 8, 2022

7. St. Paul Lutheran Church Cornerstone

St. Paul Lutheran Church
1863–1920

Credits. This page was last revised on January 16, 2022. It was originally submitted on February 24, 2016, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota. This page has been viewed 883 times since then and 38 times this year. Last updated on January 9, 2022. Photos: 1. submitted on January 11, 2022. 2, 3. submitted on February 24, 2016, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota. 4. submitted on January 11, 2022. 5. submitted on February 24, 2016, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota. 6. submitted on January 11, 2022. 7. submitted on January 15, 2022. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.