Bring O Past Your Honor

Sioux Falls

The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Sioux Falls

1877	Eliza Tupper Wilkes, Universalist minister with degree in foreign missionary work, moves to Sioux Falls, Dakota Territory. Is credited with founding and organizing eight Unitarian societies: Sioux Falls, Madison, Miner, and Huron in South Dakota; Rock Rapids, Iowa; Luverne and Adrian, Minnesota; Palo Alto, California. Sioux Falls and Palo Alto still exist.
1882	American Unitarian Association sends a Rev. John Visher as missionary to establish a church. The “First Unitarian Church” meets in Sherman’s Hall with a membership of 17 and lasts about a year. Pastors: The Revs. J. H. Keyes and A.A. Roberts. Mrs. Wilkes continues to hold services 1878–1886.
Nov. 1886	Caroline Bartlett, former teacher, leaves Minneapolis Tribune writing staff, to visit the Wilkes. Stays on to serve the church with sermons that were called “a model of literary neatness.”
Jan. 1887	First Sunday School organized, followed by ladies’ Unity Circle.
June 1887	Incorporation papers for All Souls Church filed. Among 15 members were four married couples, including Eliza T. Wilkes and her husband, lawyer W.A. Wilkes. He becomes first president of Board of Trustees. The Wilkes shared interest in reform and cultural activities. They had five children.
Apr. 1888	Mrs. Wilkes, prime force in building of all Souls Church at the corner of Dakota Ave. and 12th St., writes an 8-verse hymn for the dedication. Besides Bartlett, three ministers served during the next eight years: J.E. Bagley, Arthur H. Grant, and J.T. Andrew. In its most prosperous days, the church served 70 members.
Dec. 1899	All Souls Church building has been deeded to the city and becomes the first Free Public Library. Mrs. Wilkes serves on the Library Board.
The 1900s The first 50 years	Interest in the Unitarian and Universalist denominations waxes and wanes but persists with small groups meeting in homes, municipal courtrooms, YWCA, and other public buildings. In the Twenties a Unitarian Club met regularly, Universalist Women is organized. Visiting ministers come from near and far. Local residents sometimes attend services in Sioux City, Iowa.
Feb. 1951	U.U.A. of Boston grants charter to Unitarian Fellowship of Sioux Falls.
May 1961	U.U.A. grants charter to Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Sioux Falls. The small Fellowship (10–20) meets weekly for lectures or talks by members or their guests. Religious Educations classes sometimes number 20.
The Seventies	With the influx of new residents to the city, membership rolls change and a growth period commences. Board of Directors enlarged to accommodate increased services. Pledge drives begin. A more traditional order of service is adopted. Adult membership continues slow but steady growth to about 30–40, a level that remains steady into the Eighties.
Apr. 1978	Three-day celebration of Centennial of arrival of Unitarianism in Sioux Falls. Lectures by two UU women ministers, Judith Urquhart and Betty Pingel, a banquet, parade of historic personalities, gospel singing, and other music.
Dec. 1982	Purchase of a building at the corner of Cliff Ave. and 9th St. gives UUism its first home in 90 years. April 1983, Weekend Dedication, with the Revs. Jay Atkinson, Ronald Kanpp, and David Phreaner. No full-time minister since 1895. Phreaner is Extension minister 1979–1980. Atkinson is visiting minister for three years. All other services and activities depend on talents and dedications of members and friends. Six “Weekend Ministry” visits planned 1986.

(Author not noted)