ABOUT

Bon Homme Memorial Church
photo courtesy of Judy Mace

On November 29, 1885, Rev. D. B. Nichols officiated the dedication service of the Bon Homme Memorial Church (then located about one mile north of the Bon Homme town site where 310th St. crosses Apple Tree Road). As stated in its name, the Bon Homme Memorial Church was built on memorial funds given in memory of congregants loved ones.

A basement was added in 1916, which was used to hold congregational gatherings and neighborhood meetings.

Regular church services ceased in 1948. Anniversary celebrations occurred in 1955 (100th), 1960 (105th), 1963 (108th), and 1965 (110th).

In 1953, the church completed extensive external repair in preparation of hosting the play, "Pageant of Bon Homme." The Pageant was held on August 3 and 4 and directed by Hazel Belle Abbott, a local history enthusiast and daughter of Bon Homme settlers.

The last funeral held at the church was that of Hazel Belle Abbott on May 26, 1970. The final marriage at the church united Eric Schuurmans and Carol Ferguson on July 14, 1989.

On October 5, 1989, the Bon Homme Memorial Church building was moved to Tyndall by the Tyndall Centennial Committee as their State Centennial Legacy Project which honored 100 years of South Dakota Statehood on November 2, 1989.

The Centennial Committee, their purpose fulfilled, created the Bon Homme Heritage Association (BHHA) on October 5, 1989. The Memorial Church Museum was established and guided by Maxine Schuurmans-Kinsley. The purpose of BHHA is to bring together people interested in the history of Bon Homme County and to promote a better understanding of our American pioneer heritage. 2019 marks the 30 year anniversary of the creation of the BHHA.

INTERIOR EXHIBITS

EXTERIOR EXHIBITS