Renner Lutheran Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Renner Lutheran Church |
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The church in 2011, seen from the east
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| Country | United States |
| Denomination | ECLA |
| History | |
| Founded | 1868 |
| Architecture | |
| Years built | 1878 |
Renner Lutheran Church is a very old church in Renner, South Dakota. It was once known as Nidaros Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church. This church is so important that it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is known as the Renner Lutheran Sanctuary on that list. Many people believe it is the oldest church in South Dakota that is still used today!
A Look Back in Time
The church started in 1868 as Nidaros Church. It began in the sod home of Norwegian immigrants, John and Kirsti Thompson. A sod home is a house built from blocks of earth and grass.
Later, a church building was put up on the prairie. This spot was about 3 miles south of Baltic, South Dakota. Sadly, a big wind storm destroyed this first church building.
Rebuilding and Moving
The church was rebuilt in 1878. The first church had a very tall steeple, about 100 feet high. People thought this tall steeple might have caused the church to fall in the storm. So, the new church was built with a shorter steeple.
More churches were built nearby because it was hard for people to travel. The Big Sioux River often flooded, making it tough to get around.
Around 1911 or 1912, the church moved to Baltic. The town of Baltic did not have its own church at that time. Then, in 1939, the church moved a second time. It was moved to Renner, South Dakota, where it stands today.
A Long History of Service
Renner Lutheran Church has been open for over 125 years! This makes it one of the oldest churches still in use in South Dakota. It is part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Inside the church, there is a special altar that was built by hand in 1886. This beautiful altar is still a main part of the church today.
In 2009, the church changed its name to Renner Lutheran Church. This was done to avoid confusion with other churches. There were also East and West Nidaros churches that belonged to the same group.
More to Explore
- List of the oldest churches in the United States
- List of the oldest buildings in South Dakota
