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

St. Mary's Catholic Church

Garryowen, South Dakota

Photographed by Ruth VanSteenwyk, March 29, 2016

1. St. Mary's Catholic Church Marker

Inscription.
Front

The first parish in Garryowen was organized in 1879. St. Mary's Church and cemetery were located together on five acres of land donated by Patrick Mahan. The church eventually became too small for a growing community and a larger one was constructed in 1904. In 1924, this church was destroyed by fire. A third church was built in 1925 across the road from the cemetery on land donated by Tom O'Connor.
The people of Garryowen supported this parish until the diocese of Sioux Falls closed St. Mary's Church in 1993. We have come here to Garryowen to rest in land that shaped and sanctified our lives. Whether our days were as tender as the first yellow roses of spring or as harsh as Dakota's winter wind, we loved and were loved. Our lives meant something to someone, Share our stories, pray for us on our journey to Resurrection, and until we meet again, may God hold you safely in universal hands of love.

Back

This monument is dedicated to the people of Garryowen, living and deceased, whose love and generosity supported St. Mary's Church for countless decades. May all who have been touch by the holy and lovely place continue to spread the faith given birth in the community of Garryowen.

Erected 2007 by The Garryowen

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Cemetery Association.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1879.

Location. 42° 51.119′ N, 96° 47.274′ W. Marker is near Spink, South Dakota, in Union County. It is on State Highway 48 0.1 miles west of 471st Avenue, on the right when traveling west. 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,

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 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Jerry Seaman (approx. 4.6 miles away); Homestead Rest Area (approx. 4.6 miles away); The Great Missouri River (approx. 4.7 miles away); First Rural Electric Cooperative (approx. 4.9 miles away); a different marker also named First Rural Electric Cooperative (approx. 5 miles away); Bruyer Church (approx. 5½ miles away); Site of First Norwegian Lutheran Church in Dakota Territory (approx. 7.3 miles away); Giants in the Earth Country (approx. 7.3 miles away).

Photographed by Ruth VanSteenwyk, March 29, 2016

2. St. Mary's Catholic Church Marker

Long View of St. Mary's Catholic Church Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Ruth VanSteenwyk, March 29, 2016

3. Long View of St. Mary's Catholic Church Marker

St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Ruth VanSteenwyk, March 29, 2016

4. St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on April 3, 2016, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota. This page has been viewed 1,486 times since then and 74 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 3, 2016, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.