Willow Creek Lutheran Church - SD
N 43° 47.434 W 096° 48.671
14T E 676104 N 4850940
Norwegian pioneers homesteaded in this area in the early 1870s too far from the Norwegian Churches in northwest Minnehaha County, so on 27 June 1875 the Scandinavian Evangelical Lutheran Congregation of Willow Creek was organized.
Waymark Code: WM14KX
Location: South Dakota, United States
Date Posted: 01/13/2007
Views: 16
Many of these incoming newcomers built homes on the high ground overlooking Willow Creek. Some lived in dugout homes carved into hillsides, while others used the tough, thick prairie sod to erect "soddies," homes with walls and roofs of prairie sod. A few were able to harvest enough timber growing along the creek to build log cabins. Most of the early worshiper gatherings were held in these primitive homes. An itinerant preacher, Hans Zahl Hvid, conducted the service. Pastor Hvid was a circuit rider whose ministry stretched from Nobles County, MN, to the James River in Dakota Territory.
Sam K. Ducken donated land for the church site and for the ;resent cemetery, and most of the remains buried in the older cemetery were then moved to the new cemetery. In 1886 a Ladies Aid Society was established to raise the funds needed, including a half-ton church bell, and finally on 19 November 1893, the Willow Creek congregation celebrated the dedication of their new house of worship.
In 1919 after younger members asked to have services in English, it was voted to have one or two Norwegian services for each English service. By 1934 all congregation minutes were written in English.
Dedicated to the memory of the founders and to honor all members of Willow Creek Lutheran who have kept their steadfast faith for over 125 years with the Word of God as their guide.
This Church is well-maintained and still very much in use to this very day.
Church Name: Willow Creek Lutheran Church
Church In Use (even only just occassionally): yes
Date Church Built: 19 November 1893
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