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Prayers on the Prairie: Traditions live on in historic country church

Janelle Atyeo
Apr 12, 2019
Apr 12, 2019 Updated Feb 4, 2026

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Members of Goodhue Lutheran Church near Florence, S.D., pictured here in late March as snow began to melt, are preparing to host a sunrise service on Easter Sunday, carrying on decades of tradition in the 130-year-old congregation.

Tri-State Neighbor photo by Janelle Atyeo

The altar of Goodhue Lutheran Church near Florence, S.D. features a painting by Sara Kirkeberg Raugland and an inscription in Norwegian.

Tri-State Neighbor photos by Janelle Atyeo

The altar of Goodhue Lutheran Church near Florence, S.D. features a painting by Sara Kirkeberg Raugland and an inscription in Norwegian.

Tri-State Neighbor photos by Janelle Atyeo

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Janelle Atyeo

After a snowy winter, members of Goodhue Lutheran Church are ready to hear the Easter message of hope and renewal.

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Goodhue church spring — Spring grass turns green around Goodhue Lutheran Church in this photo from a previous year. It was founded by several families who still have members caring for the church today.
Submitted photo

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Goodhue steeple — The steeple of Goodhue Lutheran was restored several years ago.
Tri-State Neighbor photo by Janelle Atyeo

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Goodhue workers — Members of Goodhue Lutheran Church gather during a work day in this photo from a few years ago.
Submitted photo

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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.