Local historians take great care to preserve old church

Janelle Atyeo
Mar 12, 2023
Mar 12, 2023

1 of 4

Trinity Episcopal Church had list last regular services in the 1960s. It's now cared for by a historical society created for its upkeep.

Tri-State Neighbor photo by Janelle Atyeo

Topper Tastad displays an old box of choir hats.

Tri-State Neighbor photo by Janelle Atyeo

Trinity Episcopal Church was the first church building in Groton, S.D. It's open by request for tours.

Tri-State Neighbor photo by Janelle Atyeo

Architect Richard Upjohn, designer of the elaborate Trinity Church on Wall Street in New York City, published plans for a simple wooden church that young parishes could use as they sprouted across the American West.

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Janelle Atyeo

A block off of Main Street sits one of Groton, South Dakota’s oldest buildings, the first church built after the city was founded in 1881.

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Church Trinity Groton (28).jpg — Three large stained glass windows are the focal point behind the altar. They were shipped off for repair and replaced in 2016.
Tri-State Neighbor photo by Janelle Atyeo

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Church Trinity Groton (44).jpg — Betty Breck and Tastad look over a Bible.
Tri-State Neighbor photo by Janelle Atyeo

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Church Trinity Groton (52).jpg — Trinity church in Groton, S.D., follows the design of famed architect Richard Upjohn. It's said to be the last Upjohn churches left in South Dakota.
Tri-State Neighbor photo by Janelle Atyeo

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Church Trinity Groton (21).jpg — Topper Tastad looks over the leaded glass of the church windows, a repair project for another day.
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.