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Prayers on the Prairie: Country church carries on Swedish traditions

Janelle Atyeo
Feb 3, 2019
Feb 3, 2019 Updated Feb 4, 2026

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Big Springs Baptist Church serves communities of southeastern South Dakota and northwestern Iowa. The 1893 building has been expanded to accommodate a growing membership, including a half million dollar addition in 2000.

Tri-State Neighbor photo by Janelle Atyeo

A sign on the intersection near Big Springs Baptist Church south of Alcester, S.D., asks drivers to stop by before the Sunday game.

Tri-State Neighbor photo by Janelle Atyeo

The sanctuary seating area of Big Springs Baptist Church can be expanded to accommodate more people.

Tri-State Neighbor photo by Janelle Atyeo

A stained glass window lights a stairwell at Big Springs Baptist Church near Alcester, S.D.

Tri-State Neighbor photo by Janelle Atyeo

A hitching post sits outside the original Big Springs Baptist Church.

Tri-State Neighbor photo by Janelle Atyeo

A pump organ sits in the old Big Springs Baptist church.

Tri-State Neighbor photo by Janelle Atyeo

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Janelle Atyeo

Christmas is a time when Big Springs Baptist Church dives into its history.

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Ron Johnson — Lifelong Big Springs Baptist member Ronald Johnson hangs a painted Swedish horse welcoming visitors to the old church and youth center.
Tri-State Neighbor photo by Janelle Atyeo

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Big Springs old church — The original Big Spring Baptist Church is decorated for Christmas when members have a Founders Service to honor the Swedish families that started the church.
Tri-State Neighbor photo by Janelle Atyeo

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Wood stove — A wood stove sits at the front of the old Big Springs church near Alcester, S.D.
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.