St. Paul Lutheran Church, one of South Dakota's finest, began with humble origins. Members of the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Congregation by Brule Creek, an organization created on August 12, 1863, erected a log church in 1867, though they had no permanent pastor, and it was ready for use by Christmas 1868 after the name had been changed to St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Congregation in Dakota. The first church council consisted of Kjell P. Ronne, Helge Mathiason, and Thomas Olesen, and the seats, pulpit, and millwork cost $39.50. Its first permanent pastor was J. E. Nesse, who served from 1869 to 1881. The church also served as a parochial school, a common school, and a polling place. As the congregation grew, an acre of land across the road to the west was acquired in 1877, and a new church with a high steeple and bell was built and used until 1923. David Lysness served as pastor until his death in 1890, followed by O. T. Nelson until 1895 and then P. J. Reinertsen until 1918. In April 1910, the first all English services were conducted. A. J. Bergsaker followed Pastor Reinertsen, and on July 9, 1922, the present church was dedicated.