Stephen R. Riggs and Rev. Williamson came overland from Minnesota to Fort Pierre and at that time held the first Christian sermon in English, September 29, 1840. This marks the beginning of the religious work in this area.

In August of 1880 a Congregational Minister, W. B. Williams preached to a small group in Irish’s new building and announced the next service would be in Miss Bower’s schoolhouse. He was also preaching in Pierre at that time in a missionary tent on Coteau Street. Church services were held intermittently for several years in Fort Pierre. A leaflet published by a Sunday School Publishing Society sent out by the Missionary Society of our Congregational Churches tells of the very first foundation of this church here in Fort Pierre. The story is told by Rev. Gray, who for many years was the State Superintendent of the Sunday School work in South Dakota. In this story he tells of a very devout Christian woman who was interested in Missionary work and who having heard that twenty-five dollars would plant a Sunday School in the far west and that another twenty-five would care for it until it would grow into a church. Miss Nancy Marsh of Providence, Rhode Island had very little worldly goods but she started saving from her small mite and interested others in giving until she had the necessary amount to send to Rev. Gray. He used this money to start a Sunday school in Fort Pierre. Rev. Gray in telling the story says, “That a Sunday school was soon planted across the big Muddy in a frontier town, headquarters of cowboys and desperados.” The Sunday school was held in an old dance hall with a bar across one end, but the people ofthe town were interested and the Sunday school grew.

In the spring of 1890 on March 5, those interested in the formation of a Church met in the home of F. R. Ketchum and proceeded to organize a Church body. Officers were elected. J. W. Dickey, Moderator; Rev. James Oakley, Secretary; F. R. Ketchum, Deacon for one year and Dr. J. W. Dickey for two years. Clerk, Edwin Ketchum; Treasurer, C. F. S. Templin; Trustees, F. W. Pettigrew, F. R. Ketchum, Dr. J. W. Dickey, John Kiefer and F. H. Martin. A committee was appointed to call a council to perfect the organization. F.R. Ketchum, J. W. Dickey, and Mrs. John Kiefer were appointed to the committee. The first order of business was the Constitution. Article 1, the name of this Church is to be “The First Congregational Church of Christ” of Fort Pierre, South Dakota.

In November of the same year a building committee was appointed to purchase material for the building and oversee the erection of the same. Those present raised by subscription $221.71 and $500.00 to be raised by grant from the Congregational Building Society. In May han thie building valued at $1400.00 was completed in thirty days A dedicated. This service was conducted by Thomas L. Riggs.

Quoting from a newspaper clipping, “The New Congregational Church was the scene of interesting ceremonies on Sunday evening.” The edifice was dedicated to the worship of God by Rev. Wiard of Mitchell, assisted by Rev. Oakley of Pierre, Philo Hitchcock of Willow Lake, C. M. Daley of Home Missions and George Bates resident Pastor.

The building was neat and attractive with homemade benches and a bell on a pole at the side of the building situated on a high bluff west of Deadwood Street. It commanded a beautiful view of the Missouri River for miles north and south of the verdant valley without limit. The edifice is a credit to Fort Pierre and is the first English church to be built on ceded land between the Missouri River and the Black Hills. The church was usually filled in the evening service, but not so in the morning.

Edine Rowe Hodoval tells the story related to her by her mother. She said steps were dug in the side of the bluff on which the church was built in order to reach it. During rainy weather the gumbo became so slippery coming down it was like a slippery slide. In 1895 this building was moved to the site now occupied by the present brick church.

On August 26, 1896, a council was called for the ordination of George L. Bates with appropriate ceremonies.

The council was called again on January 28, 1897, for the ordination of Mrs. Henrietta Lyman, she was the first woman to be ordained in this church. Both afternoon and evening services were held. Several new members were united with the church, and four children were baptized.

November 2, 1898, a building in East Pierre was bought and moved to Fort Pierre to be used for a parsonage. This building was made over and when finished had six rooms. Records show, the Rev. W.A. Lyman gave money, time and forty days labor in completing this Parsonage.

Taken from records of December 18, 1902, the annual report states officers were elected for the ensuing year. The following year the Pastor’s salary was set at $800.00 per year. The ladies aid always Served a dinner or lunch before or after the annual meeting depending on the time set for the meeting.

In the year of 1906 the Ladies Aid paid for Church lots and side Walks, During this year 96 services, twelve weddings, six funerals and forty prayer services were held. The largest attendance for 1906 was one hundred thirty-five and the smallest was thirty-two, average was eighty-four. The missionary offering was one hundred thirty three dollars and ninety-one cents, part of this was given to the Oahe Indian School. Larger attendance and Christian faith promoted a belief that the people should have a self supporting church. It was voted on and carried. Money paid by Home Missionary Society on the Pastor’s salary ending September 11, 1907, was refunded to Home Missionary. A bazaar was held December 14, 15 for fund raising.

A building committee was appointed to carry out plans for a new church. Members of this committee were Rev. Green, John McPherson, Peter Werle, Chas. L. Millett, Ozro Stroup, Ralph Vandercook, R.T. Harland, G.E. Sumner and Warren Young. An application was made by vote of the church to the Congregational Church Building Society for a loan of one thousand dollars, and a grant of one thousand dollars, toward the erection of a new church. Three thousand dollars was collected by subscription. The Ladies Aid society had voted to pay five hundred dollars toward a new church of which three hundred fifty had already been paid.

One November 12, 1908, the cornerstone of the present church was laid. The new building designed in High Victorian Gothic architecture was made of pressed brick from the Fort Pierre brickyard and sandstone from Hot Springs, South Dakota. This was finished at a cost of around twelve thousand dollars. The new church has a seating capacity of three hundred, fifty people, with a high light basement under all. The old church was used as a social room for a time.

Sunday, June 20, 1909, dedicatory services were held. In charge were Supt. Thrall, D.D. of Sioux Falls, S.D. At the morning service, Dr. Fox, D.D. of Sioux Falls emphasized the uses, benefits and inspirations of the sanctuary. In the afternoon a fellowship service was held in which Dr. Fox, Supt. Thrall, Rev. Messrs, Thomas L. Riggs, Oahe; John Askin, Pierre; and H. L. Russell, Rector of the Episcopal church participated. This service included the reception of members and the Lord’s Supper. In the evening, Dr. Fox stirred all the hearts with an address on Christian courage and aggressiveness.

The financial problems which some persons carried to the morning service as a burden were easily and quickly solved under the leadership of those in charge. Twenty-three hundred dollars was needed to pay back bills. Twelve hundred was added to this to provide pews, furnace, grading, etc. In half an hour over four thousand dollars was pledged, together with gifts received at the evening service and handed in the next morning making a total of four thousand two hundred seventy-five dollars, This with two thousand expected from the Congregational Building Society will finish the basement and put everything in the best shape.

June 27, 1909, the first Sunday after the dedication of the new brick church Rev. George E. Green gave a Historical sketch and sermon he had written. A copy of the sketch was filed with other papers in the Stock Growers Bank.

Mr. Wilson was hired as an assistant to the Pastor at a salary of six hundred dollars per year with the first two hundred to be raised by entertainments, singing school and band. Mr. Wilson was instructed by the Trustees to buy ten instruments for the church band. Mr. Wilson to be in charge of all rules and by-laws of the band or orchestra, and approved by the Trustees.

The first indication of a budget to take care of expenses for the ensuing year was made October3, 1911. In June of 1912, it was moved and approved to take out insurance on the church and parsonage. A furnace was purchased from Mr. Davis for one hundred twenty-five dollars. A storm shed over the back door of the church was built. A janitor was hired for six dollars per month from April 1, to October 1, 1912.

Music always seemed part of the church services, and Mrs. Weed suggested buying music suitable for young girl voices, trustees approved the plan.

The annual meeting on January 21, 1913, decided those present who were not members of the church be given the privilege to vote.

Rev. Amundson was hired as pastor at a salary of twelve hundred dollars a year, with janitor work included. Rev. Amundson presented outlines for a series of meetings including the annual meeting to be held the third week in January, and the church supper be served at six-thirty o’clock. Other additions to take care of church duties are to appoint ushers for morning and evening services.

The first church cabinet was organized, consisting of the trustees, deacons, pastor and presidents of all societies in connection with the church. They will meet on the first Monday evening of September, November, January, March and May each year.

Rev. Amundson spoke in regard to the future interest of the church and suggested, to secure a large attendance and what the church is doing should be kept before the public by reporting all church news to local newspapers. By placing cards in various public places, the wording of these cards be changed each week by a person appointed as reporter. The Pastor also suggested special meetings after each service for reporting by special committees in attendance, and needs of parishioners to speak to any strangers in church.

After discussion of changing time of annual meeting by vote of the people. Sunday school should elect officers in December and Aid Society hold annual meeting in December also…The church annual meeting was changed to first Wednesday after the first of January.

In 1914, members have been added making a total of eighty-one, fifty-three. women, twenty-eight men, seventeen of these nonresidents. The Sunday school had an average attendance of eighty and membership of one hundred. Thirty had accepted Christ as their personal savior and twenty-four joined the church from the ranks of the Sunday school. Money was collected, to pay all expenses for Clarence Book. to represent the Sunday school at the State Convention, two delegates, Mrs. Lucille Jennings and Ralph Vandercook were sent to the county Sunday school convention.

December.19, 1915, Rev. Sheldon was authorized to appoint an advisory board which should include. Trustees, and church clerk, any other persons that, the Pastor may see necessary to appoint.

October. 16, 1916, it was decided by Board of Trustees to repair the old furnace… The Ladies Aid Society. was asked to find. Possible ways to raise money to repair the Chapel and move it to. the rear of the lot. At a later date they agreed to at a cost of seventeen hundred dollars.

Rev. Bissell suggested a resolution be drawn up in regard to prohibition. A draft was-drawn up and signed expressing  sentiments in regard to/a:bone dry state.  Copies were sent to officers and representatives of the Anti-Saloons League.

The Ladies Aid suggested the Trustees allow the high school girls to use the chapel for-playing, basketball. under, the; supervision of Mrs. Porter.

At the annual meeting January 1918, Rev. Bissell spoke of the needs of young people and an energetic Sunday school-as the sure hope for future growth of the church membership. The church membership was) sixty-eight at this time; nineteen of these were nonresidents, five letters of dismissal were issued during the year. Three members are enlisted and two are in France. A subscription list: was made up and names divided for each member of the advisory board. The solicitation to be completed in two weeks.

January 1919 the annual meeting ‘was held. Rev. Bissell spoke of the high standing of this church because of benevolences given to various societies: ‘A two: thousand ‘dollar: budget: had been planned for the year. ‘The finances being the best they had been in years. The church requested the State Conference provide as early as possible a Sunday school Missionary ‘for Stanley County and the Conference appropriate six hundred dollars, the Church would assist in raising money and cooperate with the field in’ making the Missionary a success.

In December 1919, the congregation talked of remodeling the chapel into a parsonage. In 1920 the board sold the chapel to ‘L.A: Robbins for four hundred dollars. Mr. Robbins requested the building be moved by May 1, 1921. Other business at the same time was the need of repairing the large crack in the Church wall and the railing in front of church. Rev. Williams suggested the Boy Scouts repair the railing. Mr. Robbins mentioned the need of some form of amusement and social life for the young people of the church. Later he was appointed a committee of one to look in to organizing such a group.

In May 1920, the Trustees passed a motion the Ladies Aid Society be authorized to plan and finish the church basement, plans to be submitted to the board for approval. Rev. Hagar was engaged to preach beginning May 1, 1920 for a period off our months at ninety five dollars per month, preaching each Sunday and dividing his time between East Pierre and Fort Pierre.

On January 16, 1921, Rev. Williams was hired as Pastor for the ensuing year at one hundred fifty dollars per month, beginning March first. Missionary money of twenty-five dollars per month to apply on the Pastor’s salary had been secured. Finances were discussed and the town was divided into three districts, each district was assigned to a committee whose duty it was to procure subscriptions for the church budget. Central Association dues were seven dollars and forty-eight cents. January 1922, the church had a deficit of two hundred, seventy-five dollars in addition to the two hundred dollar note at the bank.

Rev. Pengelly was elected Pastor of the church at a salary of one hundred twenty-five dollars per month and the church will furnish a home for living quarters, to begin April 1, 1922. Moving expenses to be paid by balance of grant from Home Missionary Society and the church will pay the remainder. A reception and shower of canned fruits and vegetables was given the Pengelly family in December. Rev. Pengelly spoke of his plans to visit a number of his church families each week, believing that a Pastor that visits the home makes church going people. He feels that home visits are the work of the Pastor as well as to preach.

The death of a member, Mr. Millett, was a great shock to the community. Rev. Pengelly paid tribute to Mr. Millett, quote “Personally I feel that we might well give thanks to God that we have been permitted to meet with and know such a Christian Statesman.”

After a very hard (1924) year financially, hopes were raised by the church board that the budget will be raised by subscription. Four hundred eighty-five dollars was collected from the insurance for fire damage in the basement.

Report of January 1925, gave twenty members being received into the church during the past year. Membership is now eighty-three. Sunday school attendance has been very good. One Sunday, one hundred twenty-eight attended, average one hundred ten. Gold stars were given for attendance awards, one family had six children receiving awards. Young people society membership was forty-four, and average of thirty-three. Mr. Torrick being a very efficient leader. Pastor Pengelly remarked, “Children have an influence that often leads the parents to become interested in church.

Search is still continuing to secure a residence for a church parsonage. The W.R. Porter house could be bought for four thousand dollars, the Bradshaw property for twenty-eight hundred, and the Werle house was for sale but no price given. The church took no action at this time. Other expenses occurred was the need of a new furnace as the old one had burned out. Mr. Rowe offered a new one at cost from his Hardware store. Mr. Hendrikson donated work in helping decorate the basement, lights were furnished at cost and paid for by the Ladies Aid and Sunday school. Now the basement was completed.

Fort Pierre church invited the State Conference to hold their State meeting here but the invitation of Yankton was accepted.

Through the efforts of Rev. Pengelly a picture machine was provided for use in the church so that the young people would have the opportunity of seeing that which is best in pictures. Christian work was given by Rev. Pengelly to Mission Ridge, Fort Bennett, and Orton Flat. Ten memberships were sent in from Mission Ridge and cards with names were accepted to be held in trust until a church was organized there and the cards called for.

Notification was given Rev. Pengelly on December 1, 1927, that the church found it financially impossible to continue his present salary after January 1, 1928. They asked him to accept any call which he might receive from another church.

Money was borrowed at six per cent interest, using warrants ($408.26) as collateral to pay up indebtedness. On December 14, 1927 the church board extended a call to Rev. Pengelly to continue his work for another year. Pengelly expressed hope that all should seek to fulfill God’s mission and expressed his appreciation for the confidence of his people. Mr. Hoy told of the appreciation of those who are not members of our church of the work and influence Rev. Pengelly is doing in our city and community.

In the use of the church, the board of trustees decided an undertaker must secure permission of the chairman or vice-chairman for the use of the church for funerals of non-contributors to the church. Any expenses incurred for heating and cleaning for such funeral must be paid.

Again because of financial conditions the Trustees decided it would be necessary to dispense with the services of the Pastor at the end of fiscal year 1929. Rev. Pengelly sent in his resignation effective as of December 31, 1929, he had served this church from April 1, 1922 to January 1, 1930.

A discussion was held and a motion made to borrow the parsonage fund, so it could be used to pay off church debts and replace it when money was collected on scriptions during year of 1930. Mr. Ora Martin donated his wages as janitor to the church, twenty-five dollars to be used for 1929 budget and twenty five on the 1930 budget.

Trustees of this church met with Pierre Congregational church at their annual meeting, with the proposal of joining with Pierre in hiring a Minister. A pulpit committee was appointed to confer and act with Pierre church board.

Rev. Schwab from Pierre church was hired as part time Pastor on February 26, 1930. At the trustees meeting the Perrin memorial fund was presented for consideration. Envelopes for church collection were distributed, this is first time they were used. Repair work is needed on the belfry floor, the crack in the church wall and the roof.

Attention was called to the people smoking in the church parlors, this question was tabled until next meeting. An Easter Sunrise service was held in conjunction with Pierre young people. This is the first mention of such service. During the summer of 1931, Rev. Schwab held Bible school under his supervision and the volunteer help of Miss Winifred Turner of Pierre.

March 1933, permission was given an Adventist Revival group to hold a series of meetings in the upstairs Sunday school room, providing they furnish fuel, lights and a janitor. A janitor had been hired for fifty cents a Sunday.

Due to financial stress at this time all accounts left on the books at the end of 1932, were to be cancelled and a new set of books opened for 1933. The Ladies Aid are bravely carrying on just as if there wasn’t a depression. The roof and crack in the church wall were repaired by Charles Feezer donating his work and the church ladies paying for the materials.

Mr. Sumner spoke of having found the Church charter in the vault at the Stockgrowers Bank. Mrs. Fritz Hodoval agreed to have the Charter framed and placed on the wall of the church.

The church had been without a Pastor for some time, the last mention I found of a Pastor in this church was March 1933. Mr. Sumer Spoke of the need of organization and having religious services as Soon as it could be arranged. The Sunday school and Youth group have been very active in carrying on the religious work. Mrs. Stockdale and Mr. Weirauch were given much credit for their work with the young people ofthe community and county.

 June 16, 1938, Rev. Keck from the State office notified our church at a young man by the name of James Davis was interested in coming to Fort Pierre to serve as Pastor during the summer months.

The Church paid him thirty-five dollars a month plus collections. James Davis was later ordained in the Fort Pierre church and served from July 1938 to July 1939.

Suggestions given by Rev. Davis in a report at the Annual meeting, January 1939 were: Borrow a stove for Church parlor; attend church regularly; encourage the young people to attend Bible study and young people services; attend prayer period in homes; and make a pledge of money and pay it regularly. The church decided to have all monies go through the hands of the church treasurer.

A stove was borrowed until funds could be raised to purchase a new furnace. Mrs. Dotson and a couple of other women of the church solicited the business section and received enough money to purchase the furnace in 1941.

Church membership at the close of 1938 was forty, four older members passed away during the year, Mrs. Robert Barkley, Mrs. Hemphill, Mrs. Feezer and Mrs. Rowe.

March 1939, Rev. Davis told of a Youth Rally being held and that we had been asked permission to hold such meeting in our church, this was granted. Easter and communion services, also a special effort to secure new members in the church was discussed. It was decided to celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of the dedication of our brick church building, with a supper and program on June 20, 1939.

Rev. Davis discontinued his duties as Pastor on July 1, 1939, in the Fort Pierre church. After fifteen months of not having a regular Pastor, Rev. John Schlarb was hired November 19, 1940 to November 1942. He was then hired to serve a church at Buffalo, S.D. During Rev. Schlarb’s pastorate, permission was granted to the Fort Pierre school to hold classes in the church basement and Sunday school room, due to loss of their school by fire.

Sunday school was active, carrying on religious work under the supervision of Mr. Weirauch. Rev. Schlarb gave a resume of work he had planned for the future. Namely the organizing of a High School young people’s society.

A letter was read from Benedicta M. Lewis, relative to selling alcoholic beverages to our boys in the service. A resolution was drawn up and sent by night letter to the President of the United States asking that alcoholic beverages be kept from the camps of the United States.

Rev. Schlarb suggested installation services for the officers be held during church services on February 2, 1941. This will be the first time installation has been celebrated in our church. Various interests and duties mentioned by the Pastor for the ensuing year are: Set up a church cabinet to coordinate the activities of the congregation. Communion will be served quarterly and Thursday evening before Easter. To hold vacation Bible school for a period of two weeks after public school closes. Seven people became members on Easter Sunday.

A review of a program for celebration of the fifty-first anniversary of the organization of this church to be held June 15 thru 22, 1941. Rev. Schlarb suggested different speakers for various even- ings and a pageant depicting the early days of the church history.

This church is qualified to send three voting delegates to State Conference to be held in Bryant, South Dakota on September 23 and 24. Church membership has increased by twenty-two new members and possibly there will be sixteen more before the year’s end. There were twelve baptisms. The church group was reminded that the first Sunday in October would be observed as World Wide Communion Sunday.

Rev. Schlarb set up the following plan for the year: First Sunday of each month the Cabinet will meet; Young People will meet Thurs- day of each week; Young Adult club the second Friday of each month; one Sunday of each month have a Special service; Thanks- giving service on Wednesday evening preceding and a thank offering taken to be sent to Board of Missions; also have a Christmas. service to be held on Christmas eve.

Another plan presented was that each member give to the War ser- vice fund. Pledge cards to be given each member of the church to pledge twenty-five cents per week to church as well as war victims. and their families.

The church constitution was revised by Rev. Schlarb, copies and letters were mailed to each member. The constitution was accepted as read on January 11, 1942, by the members of the church. The pas- tor asked for names of boys in the service and their families, so he could write them. He also requested a committee to call on homes in the interest of Sunday school, and need of homes for the young people to hold their parties.

Rev. Keck, from the State Conference gave a very nice sermon the first Sunday in February, 1942. He told the group a ten percent reduction in Missionary aid to all churches would become effective. June 1, 1942. This would mean three dollars less each month in our Pastor’s salary, as we now receive thirty dollars a month. Dr. Keck stated that we received more aid than any other church in the State and urged us to pay at least seventy-five dollars salary. Rev. Schlarb’s salary was increased ten dollars a month until June 1, 1942. Rev. Schlarb resigned effective November 1, 1942.

Report of membership was given at the Annual meeting was forty- eight active members, thirty-six inactive, eight junior members. After several years of study of transplanting the Cedar trees on