Two white spires stretch from the corn fields toward the sky northwest of Volin, South Dakota.
Faith United Lutheran Church, northwest of Volin, S.D., was founded as Zion Lutheran by a group of Norwegian settlers in 1872. The double-spired church was built 110 years ago after the first building was lost to a lightning fire that burned so hot even the bell was a total loss, being reduced to molten metal.
Crumbles of Zion Church's original bell are preserved in a glass case in the church basement. The first church burned in a lightning fire in 1915.
Faith United Lutheran Church, northwest of Volin, S.D., was founded as Zion Lutheran by a group of Norwegian settlers in 1872. The double-spired church was built 110 years ago after the first building was lost to a lightning fire that burned so hot even the bell was a total loss, being reduced to molten metal.
Lois Steenhoven shows a basket of prayer pockets she sewed, along with her quilted contributions to church causes.
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Carol Sarringar points out historic photos of what today is known as Faith United Lutheran Church.
Vicar Brent Ashby leads the congregation at Faith United and one other church at Mission Hill. After a career in construction, he said he's "over the moon" to be working in ministry.
A spire that once topped the church steeple is now part of a decorative butterfly garden out front.
Prayers on the Prairie is a regular feature of the Tri-State Neighbor, taking the place of the Crop Watchers report during the winter season. If you have a suggestion for a rural church to feature here, contact editor Janelle Atyeo at janelle.atyeo@lee.net.
Janelle Atyeo
Editor
