The roots of Nathanael are embedded in the soil and toil of early Scandinavian immigrants who settled Southeastern Dakota Territory in the 1860’s. Survival of the “fittest” was the order of the day as Indian uprisings and intemperate weather forced many of the early settlers to retreat or perish. Only the hardy and determined stayed to tame the land and the elements. A deep and unbending faith in God was their mainstay.Nathanael Lutheran was chartered in 1885 and built in 1886 on farmland 7 miles Northeast of Alcester, SD. The charter members were of Swedish descent and the services were conducted in the Swedish language. The first church stood proudly for 16 years before being leveled by a tornado in 1902. A new and much larger church arose in its place in 1903 and proudly served until it was dismantled in 1956, leaving only the North Cemetery in memorial to the pioneers whom preceded us.
Nathanael Lutheran did not die, but over a period of time had given way to changing times. Alcester had become a thriving business center at the beginning of the 20th century and the population base had shifted. In 1910, a parsonage was purchased in Alcester and in 1918 a church was acquired to serve the dual country/city congregations which had evolved. Eventually the arrival of the motor car and a new mobility doomed the future of the country church. A new parsonage was built in Alcester in 1949 and a new church building was completed in 1960.
Our namesake, “Nathanael” was one of the twelve disciples charged with spreading the Gospel. As we look forward, our fervent prayer is that the charge given Nathanael will remain foremost as we forge ahead.
