Near Marion in Turner County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Our Congregations

1874-1974

Photographed by Roger Dean Meyer, April 28, 2023

1. Our Congregations Marker

Inscription. Hithero hath the Lord helped us 1SAM.7:12
We are thankful to God for His loving kindness in giving our low and high German speaking forefathers in Russia and Polish Russia vision, courage and provision in time of deep distress to seek religious freedoms in this area. Therefore we, their posterity, affectionately raise this tribute to His praise and glory.
The following congregations developed from groups worshipping in various homes, school houses and granaries.
All locations are from this point.
1875-1883 Union Church or Die Grosze Kirche 1 mile E., ¾ mile S.
1876-1940 Carl S Waldner Deutsche Alt Mennoniten Gemeinde 1 mile S.
1878-1913 Brothersfield Mennonite Brethren 3/4 mile N., 13 mile E
1883 Bethsda Mennonite 1 ¼ Mile S, 2 ½ miles E
1886 Silver Lake Mennonite Brethren 2 miles W
1892 Bethel Mennonite 2 ¾ miles N., 2 miles E., ½ mile N.
1893 Evangelical Mennonite Brethren 1 mile E.
One hundred feet east of this monument rest the remains of Elder Tobia A. Unruh, one of the twelve deputies who came to America in 1873 to find a home for his people.
For other foundation can no man lay

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than that is laid which is Jesus Christ. 1COR 3:11
The low German people have their origin in Holland. Religiously they trace back to the Ana-Baptist wing of the Reformation. Menno Simons, a converted Catholic priest, was a great religious leader, teaching and preaching everywhere. Our people responded to the teaching of voluntary church brotherhood, adult baptism, discipleship of Christ, non-resistance, and a simple positive Christian life. Since they followed the teachings of Menno Simons, they were called Mennonites. Since this teaching conflicted sharply with the established state churches and the states, they were severely persecuted under the rule of King Charles V of Spain. Many of our people left Holland as early as 1530, the main trek going through Netherlands to the more tolerant Prussia. Our people were welcome, proving their ability to build dykes, canals, drain and reclaim swamplands and were eminent farmers. By 1780, Prussian authorities became more intolerant and our people felt compelled to move again. The bid of Empress Catherine II, through her representative George Von Troppe in 1786, was very appealing with

Our Congregations Side Two image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Roger Dean Meyer, May 28, 2023

2. Our Congregations Side Two

the special privileges. The response came from various countries in central Europe and thousands settled in Russia and Polish Russia. The growing spirit of nationalism and militarism led many to immigrate to America and Dakota Territory in the 1870’s.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Immigration • Religion & Religious Structures • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1883.

Location. 43° 26.84′ N, 97° 22.779′ W. Marker is near Marion, South Dakota, in Turner County. It is on County Highway 441 Ave ¼ mile north of County Highway 272 St, on the right when traveling north. Located next to Schartner Mennonite Cemetery Gate. One Mile north and six miles west and 1/4 mile north of Marion. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Marion SD 57043, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in East River

and in Greater Sioux Falls.

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,

the

Photographed by Roger Dean Meyer, April 28, 2023

3. Our Congregations Marker

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 12 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Our Lady of Perpetual Help (St. Mary's) Catholic Church (approx. 6.1 miles away); Marion Veterans Memorial (approx. 6.3 miles away); Marion School (approx. 6.3 miles away); Mennonite and Hutterian Immigration Memorial (approx. 6.4 miles away); Freeman Veterans Memorial (approx. 7.2 miles away); Bridgewater (approx. 9.4 miles away); Bridgewater Cemetery Veterans Memorial (approx. 9.8 miles away); Turner County Poor Farm (approx. 11.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Marion.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 27, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 24, 2023, by Roger Dean Meyer of Yankton, South Dakota. This page has been viewed 235 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 24, 2023, by Roger Dean Meyer of Yankton, South Dakota.