Tabor Evangelical Church

The bronze calls the merged congregation Evangelical United Brethren, a name it would keep for only five more years. That denomination was itself new, formed in 1946 when the Evangelical Church, founded by Jacob Albright among German-speaking Pennsylvanians, joined the Church of the United Brethren in Christ. On April 23, 1968, at a uniting conference in Dallas, the Evangelical United Brethren and the Methodist Church became the United Methodist Church, and the congregation the Tabor and Zion families built in Clear Lake is now a United Methodist church. The 1888 cemetery stays here in the country.

What the plaque says

Tabor Evangelical Church This marker commemorates the courage, sacrifice, and faithful devotion of the pioneer families of the Evangelical faith who settled in this vicinity of Deuel County, South Dakota. In the early days of settlement, services were held in the homes or schoolhouses. They were led by one of the members when the pastor could not be present. On November 8, 1888, this site was purchased. The Tabor Evangelical Church was erected and served by pastors from Watertown, South Dakota. In 1903, the Zion Evangelical Church was organized in the city of Clear Lake, South Dakota. Together the two parishes built a parsonage and called a resident pastor to serve both congregations. In 1959, the Zion and Tabor congregations united, maintaining the Church in Clear Lake, now known as the Evangelical United Brethren Church. Many of the graves in the near-by cemetery are those of the pioneers of this area and founders of the Tabor Church. It is to the memory of their wisdom and vision; their faith and trust in God that this marker is dedicated.

Where it stands

More markers nearby

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