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Builder: M.P. Möller, Op. 1864, circa 1915. Manuals: 2 Ranks: Unknown Action: Electro-pneumatic Notes: In the 1870's Swedish immigrants settled in Benton Township. After initial years of adjustment to the demands and hardships of the land, 25 Swedish Americans gathered to form a congregation. They named it "The Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Congregation" and in time purchased one and half acres of land for $4.50. Over a period of six years materials were purchased from Sioux Falls and Minneapolis and a cemetery and church building were established. The newly organized Ladies Sewing Society had a sale in 1890 to raise the funds needed to purchase pews. A steeple and bell were added in 1894. In 1913, lightening hit the church causing a fire that destroyed the building and cracked the bell. The congregation agreed to rebuild at a cost of $13,000. By 1915, a new church building now able to seat 400 was dedicated. Services continued in Swedish until 1920 when English was slowly introduced. Renamed "Benton Lutheran," the church has maintained a long standing impact on the local rural communities and various mission opportunities. Organ Historical Society as of 2009. |
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