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A strong foundation: Church stands through storms, supports members through theirs

Janelle Atyeo
Jan 4, 2020
Jan 4, 2020 Updated Feb 4, 2026

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St. John Lutheran Church of Dimock, S.D., is lit by a summer sunset.

Submitted photo by Pastor Erika Lehmann

St. John is featured on the cover of the 1939 Lutheran Standard magazine.

Tri-State Neighbor photo by Janelle Atyeo

A stained glass window of Jesus carrying a lamb graces the nave of St. John Lutheran Church of Dimock, S.D.

Tri-State Neighbor photo by Janelle Atyeo

From the balcony, Easter altar displays can be seen at St. John Lutheran.

Tri-State Neighbor photo by Janelle Atyeo

A cross on a stone in St. John Cemetery is silhouetted in the sky.

Submitted photo by Pastor Erika Lehmann

An archway marks the entrance to St. John Lutheran cemetery near Dimock, S.D.

Submitted photo by Pastor Erika Lehmann

St. John Lutheran Church is seen from a distance down the country road.

Submitted photo by Pastor Erika Lehmann

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Janelle Atyeo

St. John Lutheran Church sits on a rocky ridge west of Dimock, South Dakota. There was no shortage of rocks that members hauled to the church site and crushed for cement or used for the church foundation.

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St John lilacs — Lilacs bloom around St. John Lutheran, west of Dimock, S.D.
Tri-State Neighbor photo by Janelle Atyeo

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St John winter — Clouds form over St. John Lutheran in this winter scene.
Submitted photo by Pastor Erika Lehmann

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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.