One hundred twenty-five years! Where in the world can you find a church that has grown in faith, fellowship, friendship, and family for 125 years. Halfway between Wagner and Lake Andes on Highway 281. East Lake Andes Lutheran Church celebrated their 125th year of ministry on Sunday, June 12, 2022 with a worship service in the church and a catered meal following outside. Pastor Tom who has been the permanent pastor since August 2020, was joined in leading worship and praise by Gary Maas (former pastor 2005-2013), Bill VanGerpen (former pastor 2008- ) and Brad Veurink (former pastor from 2005-2020).

The origin of the church dates back to 1895 when several Scandinavian Lutheran families homesteaded on the Yankton Sioux Reservation in Charles Mix County. The East Lake Andes Lutheran congregation was formed under the name of “The United Lutheran Church”, under the Norwegian Lutheran Synod. At that time worship services were held in schoolhouses and private homes once a month. Not long after, Christian VonColln donated an acres of his land for the cemetery and an adjoining acres was purchased for $5.00. These two lots are the present of the East Lake Andes Lutheran Church and cemetery. The first worship services in the original church building occurred on Sunday, October 5, 1913. The cost of that first church building was $1650. The cornerstone was laid on June 2, 1915 and the church was dedicated on October 6, 1918. In 1930, basement was added nder the church and the building was lengthened at a cost of $2700.

The synod under which East Lake Andes Lutheran Church was founded changed to become a member of the Norwegian Lutheran Church of America in 1917. Then, in 1946, the name of that synod was changed again to Evangelical Lutheran Church.

On August 24, 1947,, when the church celebrated its 50th Anniversary, the congregation had 203 baptized and 163 confirmed members and continued to grow. Unfortunately, lightning struck and fire destroyed the building after the annual church supper on October 13, 1966 leaving only the foundation and the basement walls. The Sunday morning after the fire, a metal box was removed from the cornerstone contained a Norwegian hymn book and two catechism books. These books were wrapped in a Lake Andes Wave dated May 27, 1915 and two issues of the Wagner Post dated January 3, 1913 and May 1, 1914. The steeple from the top of the building was also found.

The congregation was then faced with the decision of what the future held, but the members of East Lake Andes Lutheran Church left no doubt that their church was going to continue. Church services were held at church members’ homes and in the Wagner VFW from October 16 through December 4. On December 4, 1966, the congregation voted to purchase the St Theresa Catholic Church of Delmont. The basement was enlarged and the church was moved on January 26, 1967. The first service in the church, although it was not completely remodeled was held on April 23 and the annual supper was held on October 19. T. This new building was the church’s place of worship until they celebrated their 75th anniversary on August 20, 1972. At that time there were 71 baptized members. This number went down to 56 members in 1983 but grew back to 102 members by 1997

Shortly after the 100 year celebration additional space was needed to deal with continuing growth. It was decided that an addition to the main building was needed. A symbolic groundbreaking ceremony was held at the church on Sunday morning, July 23, 2000. At this event, Pastor Nancy Nyland guided an antique single-bottom plow while members of the congregation (adults and children) pulled together on an attached rope, working together to break ground for the new addition to the church and symbolizing the importance of everyone. A 40’x60’ addition was added onto the existing church building. This addition now serves as the primary worship center, with the original building providing both a fellowship hall and overflow seating for worship. A new kitchen was added and the basement was redesigned and utilized for Sunday School classes.

In more recent years, the building was made handicapped accessible. The last wedding in the old sanctuary was August 26, 2000 for Kathy Dickerson and Steve Fuchs. The first wedding in the new sanctuary was Donna Wiersma and Tom Beeson on September 29, 2001. In March of 2003, Charles Eitemiller generously donated an additional 2.25 acres to expand the church property.

Over the years the church has seen a variety of programs and activities. Sunday School records began in 1914 and Vacation Bible School was held until 1967. Beginning on October 20, 1901, the Ladies Aid organization was active for many years. Additional activities nclude Game Night, River Worship, and Rogation Sunday. Of the church is the fact that coffee, goodies, and fellowship are enjoyed by all after every Sunday service. The church also has what it calls Gods Acres, which is currently 70 acres of farm ground used to supplement the income to the church. This land is farmed by volunteer farmers of the church.

Karen (Nesgaard) Weber is the present church accompanist. She started playing at age 15, playing through her high school years. Afterward, Margaret Barkley played until 1981 at which time Karen returned. Joanne (Dahlgren) Farke leads the music each Sunday and is joined often by various members of the church, including the Eitemiller youth.

At the present time, there are approximately 75 members. Serving as Parish Church Council members are: Austin Weber, President; Angie Eitemiller, Vice-President; Carolyn Mathis, Secretary; Joan Wagner, Treasuerer; Steve Fuchs, Nora Weber, and Glenn Carlson. Dedicating their time and talent to the planning of the 125 celebration were Carl and Loretta Soulek, Joanne Farke, Richard and Darlene Dvorak, Karen, Weber, Nora Weber, Austin Weber, and Pastor Tom and Julie Cartney. Kathy Fuchs is instrumental in decorating the inside of the church and members of the congregation take care of the outside work.

Some years ago Pastor Nancy Nyland stated “I think the church continues to grow because the congregation offers a place of hope an dsupport and is a shelter from the storms of life”. This is what a church ought to be. In a world filled with chaos, stress, challenges and burdens the church is a sanctuary offering forgiveness, grace, mercy, and hope. This truth is captured in our vision statement, “East Lake Andes Community Church is committed to planting hope in God the Father, Son and Spirit, growing faith in the word of God and harvesting joy in Spirit-filled service. The church door is always open to anyone who would like to attend and join in Sunday morning worship and fellowship