At the end of a narrow gravel street on the edge of what was once a small railroad town, a blonde brick church stands as a stately guard over a quiet cemetery.
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The bell from the original St. John’s the Baptist Catholic Church, which burned down in 1943, sits outside the present day church, built in 1948.
Tri-State Neighbor photos by Janelle Atyeo
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St. John the Baptist Catholic Church burned down in Onaka in 1943. A brick church replaced it. This summer, the church will hold its last mass.
Submitted photo
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The interior of St. John the Baptist in Onaka. The church is cared for and decorated by a longtime member and town resident.
Tri-State Neighbor photo by Janelle Atyeo
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The altar at St. John’s was decorated for Easter services by the church’s longtime caretaker, Wayne Heier.
Tri-State Neighbor photo by Janelle Atyeo
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Several wrought iron tombstones at the St. John’s cemetery were moved from the church’s previous location.
Tri-State Neighbor photo by Janelle Atyeo
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Janelle is editor of the Tri-State Neighbor, covering South Dakota, southwestern Minnesota, northwestern Iowa and northeastern Nebraska. Reach her at jatyeo@tristateneighbor.com or follow on Twitter @JLNeighbor .
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