Canton Lutheran Church Restores Historic Stained Glass Windows

Community rallies to raise over $500,000 for 'Restoring Radiance' project

Apr. 3, 2026 at 5:20pm

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph of the interior of a church, with soft pools of warm light and color dancing across the wooden pews, conceptually representing the restoration of the church's historic stained glass windows.The restoration of Canton Lutheran Church's historic stained glass windows will breathe new life into this century-old sanctuary, preserving its timeless beauty for the community.Canton Today

Canton Lutheran Church in South Dakota has launched a major restoration project to preserve its century-old stained glass windows, raising over $500,000 through community fundraising and grants from the South Dakota State Historical Society and the National Trust for Sacred Places. The project aims to complete the restoration by 2027, shining new light on the historic Gothic Revival church that has served as a community gathering place for generations.

Why it matters

As rural churches across the country face declining attendance and closures, Canton Lutheran's restoration project highlights the enduring importance of these historic houses of worship as cultural anchors in small-town America. The church's efforts to blend modern elements with its traditional architecture also reflect the evolving nature of faith and community engagement.

The details

The 'Restoring Radiance' project will fully restore the church's vibrant stained glass windows, which were installed when the current sanctuary was built in 1908. The massive south-facing window has already been removed and is being restored by Willet Stained Glass Studios in Windom, Minnesota. The congregation hopes to complete the entire project by the summer of 2027.

  • The church started collecting donations for the project in earnest about a year and a half ago.
  • The south-facing window has been removed and is currently being restored.
  • The congregation hopes to complete the full restoration project by the summer of 2027.

The players

Canton Lutheran Church

A historic Gothic Revival church in Canton, South Dakota that was established in 1868 and built its current sanctuary in 1908.

Melinda Larson

A congregation member who has been working on the 'Restoring Radiance' project since conversations about restoration began years ago.

Jon Splichal-Larson

The pastor of Canton Lutheran Church, who has focused on engaging younger generations and adapting to changing faith behaviors.

Julie Verley

A past president of the Canton Lutheran congregation who has appreciated the pastor's efforts to involve youth in the church.

Garry Guan

The South Dakota historic preservation officer who noted the central role historic churches play in rural communities.

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What they’re saying

“As people of faith, you simply take the next faithful step. And I've really clung to that in the midst of all of these things. And you're trying to take faithful steps that honor the heritage and the people that have come before us.”

— Jon Splichal-Larson, Pastor, Canton Lutheran Church

“God calls us to be a part of beauty and to create beauty with God. And that is these stained glass windows. These are the images of the story of Jesus, and that's what people are coming to churches to hear and see.”

— Jon Splichal-Larson, Pastor, Canton Lutheran Church

“One of the advantages of a small congregation is that you have the opportunity to be seen. The other thing I think most people want is they want to be needed and to think that there's a place for them to serve. And, frankly, in a small church, we can't keep going unless people are serving.”

— Melinda Larson, Congregation Member, Canton Lutheran Church

What’s next

The church hopes to complete the full restoration of its stained glass windows by the summer of 2027.

The takeaway

Canton Lutheran Church's historic restoration project demonstrates the enduring importance of rural churches as community anchors, even as faith practices evolve. By blending modern elements with its traditional architecture, the church is finding ways to engage younger generations and ensure its legacy continues for generations to come.