Kimball in Brule County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Historic Holy Trinity (Bendon) Church and Museum

April 19, 2025

1. Historic Holy Trinity (Bendon) Church and Museum Marker

Inscription. The church was built in 1893 by Bohemian pioneers. Relocated to Kimball and restored in 1982. Contains Bohemian artwork and artifacts of more than 100-year vintage. Intricate altars make a striking setting for weddings and is enjoyed by tour groups.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Immigration • Religion & Religious Structures • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1893.

Location. 43° 44.201′ N, 98° 57.698′ W. Marker is in Kimball, South Dakota, in Brule County. It is on Cemetery Road 0.2 miles west of Main Street, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 117 Cemetery Rd, Kimball SD 57355, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in East River.

It is also in the American Lewis & Clark Corridor,

on the prairies,

and on the Northern Plains.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western

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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 one other marker is within walking distance of this marker: Kimball Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.4 miles away).

Also see . . .
1. Landmarks : Trinity Church in Kimball | South Dakota Public Broadcasting. (Submitted on May 2, 2025.)
2. South Dakota SP Holy Trinity Church - National Archives Catalog. From the National Register of Historic Places Inventory—Nomination Form (1983) Statement of Significance:

"Holy Trinity Church is an important example of Bohemian vernacular religious architecture in South Dakota as well as a visual survivor of Czech settlement history and the town of Bendon. It is signficant in the areas of architecture and Czech settlement history."

"The building was erected under the direction of Fred Shereda, who was assisted by members of the Bohemia Catholic Union, including John F. Konecny and Joseph Kott. John Frenk and Vaclav Rybak donated the land. A local painter and stenciler decorated the interior. Alois Krepela,
April 19, 2025

2. Historic Holy Trinity (Bendon) Church and Museum & Marker
which may be the Czech version of August, is listed as the painter. Other places he is refered to as Charley, who may have been a son, and Louis. All sources agree that Mr. Krepela succombed to lead poisoning from holding the paint brushes in his mouth. Towards the end, he had to be carried to the scaffold due to his increasing illness."

(Submitted on May 2, 2025.)

Additional keywords. Church of the Blessed Trinity

Historic Holy Trinity (Bendon) Church and Museum image. Click for full size.

April 19, 2025

3. Historic Holy Trinity (Bendon) Church and Museum

April 19, 2025

4. Historic Holy Trinity (Bendon) Church and Museum

Historic Holy Trinity (Bendon) Church and Museum, from the east image. Click for full size.

April 19, 2025

5. Historic Holy Trinity (Bendon) Church and Museum, from the east

Holy Trinity Church NRHP Plaque image. Click for full size.

April 19, 2025

6. Holy Trinity Church NRHP Plaque

"Holy Trinity Church has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior"

Holy Trinity Church Sign image. Click for full size.

April 19, 2025

7. Holy Trinity Church Sign

"Holy Trinity Church known as Bendon Church
Built in 1893 by Czech pioneers
Moved here in 1982
Listed on National Register of Historic Places
Restored by Brule County Historic Society with effort by Lucille Houda"

Marker near the original site of Holy Trinity Church, from the south image. Click for full size.

April 19, 2025

8. Marker near the original site of Holy Trinity Church, from the south

Located on the corner of 261st St. & 356th Ave.
"Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Bendon. Stood on the hill to the north, built by the beloved pioneers at rest here.
Incorporated Nov. 27, 1898
Moved Dec. 17, 1982
Earth changes, but God and their souls are eternal. The church has been restored by the Brule County Historical Society in Kimball, S. D."

Credits. This page was last revised on July 20, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 2, 2025. This page has been viewed 260 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on May 2, 2025.