Our History

In 1946, Rev. Victor Erickson, who was employed by the Iowa and Dakota Baptist Conferences as their state missionary, was called for the specific purpose of planting new Baptist General Conference churches. One of the first areas to be surveyed was Yankton, SD, and in September 1947, several interested families were located.  Two families who later became charter members were the O.H. Rulon and Chris Hanson families.

At first, prayer meetings were held at the Chris Hanson home, located at 710 Walnut Street, and in October 1947 Sunday Services were held at the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, located at 408 West 6th Street.  Rev. Glen Pickett came in June 1948 to become the first full-time pastor of the group.

The church entered an exciting new phase in 2005 when the process of exploring whether to build a new church building or renovate and add to the existing structure on Burleigh Street began.  After much study, prayer, and discussion, a motion was made by the Building Committee and the Governing Board at the September 2007 business meeting to pursue purchase of the former Walmart property. The congregation voted in favor.  In February of 2008 the process of remodeling the former Walmart building was started.  The first service at 2407 Broadway was held in October 2008.

Having been abundantly blessed by God with our current facility, we are thrilled with the opportunity that has been afforded to us to put our focus on building up people in their faith.