Downtown in Sioux Falls in Minnehaha County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

First Lutheran Church

October 17, 2022

1. First Lutheran Church Marker

Inscription. On September 21st 1920, two Norwegian Lutheran congregations — Grace (14th and Duluth-later purchased by the Jewish congregation of Mt. Zion) and St. Olaf (on the present site of 12th and Dakota) merged — becoming First Lutheran Church. The newly formed congregation, led by the Rev. H.J. Glenn, quickly outgrew the old St. Olaf church. In spite of a strong economic downturn in the early 1920's, with five banks in Sioux Falls closing their doors, the family of First Lutheran still forged together in faith. In 1925 the cornerstone for this neo-gothic styled church was laid — adding the beatific sights and sounds of German crafted stained glass windows in 1949 (that depict the biblical story) and a large Aeolian-Skinner pipe organ in 1959. In 1960, a separate parish education building was added — on the west side of the campus (12th and Minnesota), including Christ the King chapel. In 2005, a glass atrium with a canopied entrance was constructed — connecting the two main buildings. Over its history, First Lutheran has been instrumental in founding Lutheran Social Services of S.D., the Sioux Valley Hospital Association, the

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Banquet, and St. Francis House here in Sioux Falls. As of this centennial date, September 21st, 2020, First Lutheran Church continues to "welcome all people into the community of Jesus Christ, equipping and sending them forth to share the gospel in word and deed." Soli Deo Gloria.

Erected 2020 by the First Lutheran Church, Adam J Monson – Eagle Scout Troop 46 and Minnehaha County Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the Norwegian-Americans series list. A significant historical date for this entry is September 21, 1920.

Location. 43° 32.611′ N, 96° 43.799′ W. Marker is in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in Minnehaha County. It is in Downtown. It is at the intersection of South Dakota Avenue and West 12th Street, on the right when traveling south on South Dakota Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 327 S Dakota Ave, Sioux Falls SD 57104, 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

First Lutheran Church & Marker, from the southeast image. Click for full size.

October 17, 2022

2. First Lutheran Church & Marker, from the southeast

Belt,

on the prairies,

and on the Northern Plains.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

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 walking distance of this marker: Eliza Tupper Wilkes (within shouting distance of this marker); Sculptor H. Daniel Webster (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Washington High School (about 400 feet away); The First School House (about 400 feet away); Official Olympic Flagpole (about 400 feet away); First Congregational Church (about 400 feet away); Lt. Jonas Lien (about 500 feet away); Nils A. Boe (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sioux Falls.

First Lutheran Church Cornerstone image. Click for full size.

October 17, 2022

3. First Lutheran Church Cornerstone

First Lutheran Church, from the east image. Click for full size.

October 17, 2022

4. First Lutheran Church, from the east

First Lutheran Church image. Click for full size.

October 17, 2022

5. First Lutheran Church

Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 25, 2022. This page has been viewed 989 times since then and 72 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 25, 2022. 3, 4, 5. submitted on October 26, 2022.