History Of Big Springs Baptist Church

The Big Springs Baptist Church was organized in 1869. The membership
was made up of immigrants who had settled in this area. Revivals had
come to Sweden in the 1850’s. Many of those who came to know the Lord
during that time found themselves in conflict with the teaching of the State
Church. Following years of harassment and persecution, the news of free
land in the United States seemed to be the answer to their prayers. The
Homestead Act had been signed by President Abraham Lincoln in 1862
and people from northern European countries were flocking to America
in search of free land. A group of Swedes came in search of land and more
important to them was the freedom that could be found in this new land.

They left Sweden in the early spring of 1869 and after spending time in Sioux
City waiting for warmer weather, they arrived in Union County during the month
of May. They arrived with not only clothing and bedding, but stoves, tools, and
some crude equipment that was used to work the soil.
From the first days they started a movement to organize a church, and in July
1869, with seven charter members, the Big Springs Church was organized. One
of their group, P. A. Ring was a leader and an organizer while still living In
Sweden. He was selected to serve as pastor. He was also active in starting churches
in other communities in South Dakota.
The first years of the church were full of problems for these people. In 1875
and 1877 flying locusts destroyed the grain crops. Also, the lack of rain caused
the crops to suffer in these early years. Many of the farmers had borrowed money
to purchase seed and farm machinery. Unable to pay the incurred debt, they lost
much of their belongings. Some of the families were forced to move to other areas
to seek work.
Doctrinal issues were also a problem, and in time a few of the people left the
church. The Sabbath question was the biggest problem, to worship on Saturday
or Sunday. Pastor Ring continued To serve both groups, one group worshipped
Saturday and others on Sunday. This continued to be an issue for many years.
In the late 1870’s and early 1880’s the people were revived in their faith. They
became united as never before. New people began to attend and as numbers
increased, so did giving. Big Springs Baptist Church has supported the Mission
work of the Dakota District as well as the Mission efforts of the Baptist General
Conference through the years.
We attract people from the many towns and communities in the area. We have
aggressive and busy groups that are involved in teaching Youth Groups and younger
boys and girls on Wednesday evenings. The church and the annex are overflowing
with these teaching problems.
From the small and humble beginnings, nearly 138 years ago, we have experienced
God’s blessing and leading in so many ways. We have had the benefit of capable
pastors and lay leaders at all times.
We hope and expect that this will continue through the future as God allows
us to serve him.