The roots of the Hurley Seventh-day Adventist Church stretch back to 1871, when N.P. Nelson settled near Swan Lake in Turner County, South Dakota. Inspired by his study of the Bible and Adventist literature, he shared his newfound faith with neighbors, including the O.A. Frederickson family.
By 1874, Elder J.F. Hanson of Iowa accepted a call to minister on the Dakota Plains, holding meetings—many of them in Nelson’s sod house. On Nov. 8, 1874, the Nelsons and Fredericksons were baptized, marking the beginning of organized Adventist membership in the region.
The church was formally organized on Sept. 11, 1875, in the Frederickson’s home. Officers were elected, and the small group raised $22 to support ministry efforts. The Lord blessed their dedication, and by May 1876, membership had grown from seven to 32. A year later, plans were made to construct a proper church building.
With land donated by Christen Jensen Ulsted and construction led by Christian Jensen Aalborg for one dollar per day, the first church building was completed in spring 1878 for $250. This 20-by-30-foot structure served the growing congregation faithfully. In 1879, Adventist pioneers Elder James and Ellen White visited the small prairie church.
Through harsh winters, prairie fires, and crop failures, the faithful pressed on. By 1884, the congregation had outgrown the original building. An addition was constructed, aisles carpeted, and in 1889, an organ was purchased for $54 to enrich worship.
During the winter of 1941-1942, the original church was moved from the prairie to the town of Hurley, placed on land donated by Claude Sherard. As time passed, a new structure was needed. Construction finished in 1971, and the first service in the new building was held that December, with a dedication following in July 1974.
Many of the early pioneers now rest in Evergreen Cemetery, donated by John Lewis Flyger. Yet their legacy lives on through the continued ministry of the Hurley Seventh-day Adventist Church.
You’re invited to celebrate 150 years of gospel ministry with the Hurley Church, Sept. 12–14, 2025. Join us in remembering the faithful pioneers and recommitting to the mission they began. For more event details, watch the church’s Facebook: @hurleyadventistchurch.
Information provided by the Hurley Seventh-day Adventist Church
