Canton Lutheran Church Restores Historic Stained Glass Windows

Community rallies to fund $500,000 project to preserve century-old sanctuary

Apr. 5, 2026 at 7:21pm

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The historic Canton Lutheran Church in South Dakota is undertaking a major restoration project to preserve its iconic stained glass windows, which date back to the early 20th century when the church was built. The project, called 'Restoring Radiance', has received over $200,000 in grants, including from the South Dakota State Historical Society and the National Trust for Sacred Places. The church is working to raise the remaining $300,000 needed to complete the restoration by 2027.

Why it matters

The Canton Lutheran Church is a landmark in the small town, with its Gothic Revival architecture and distinctive stained glass windows serving as a gathering place for the community for over a century. The restoration project aims to preserve this historic structure and the cultural heritage it represents, while also ensuring the church can continue to serve as a hub for the town's residents.

The details

The stained glass windows, which feature intricate designs and vibrant colors, have deteriorated over the decades. The church has hired Willet Stained Glass Studios in Winona, Minnesota to carefully remove and restore the largest window on the south side of the sanctuary. The full restoration project is expected to be completed by the summer of 2027, with the church raising funds through community donations and grants.

  • The church started collecting donations for the project in earnest about a year and a half ago.
  • The large south-facing window has already been removed and transferred to Winona, Minnesota for restoration.
  • The church hopes the full restoration project will be finished by the summer of 2027.

The players

Canton Lutheran Church

A historic church in Canton, South Dakota that was established in 1868 and built its current sanctuary in 1908 using local Sioux Quartzite rock.

Willet Stained Glass Studios

A stained glass restoration company in Winona, Minnesota that is currently working on restoring the large south-facing window from the Canton Lutheran Church sanctuary.

Melinda Larson

A congregation member who has been working on the Restoring Radiance project since the planning stages began several years ago.

Jon Splichal-Larson

The pastor of Canton Lutheran Church, who has focused on engaging younger members of the congregation and adapting to changing religious trends in the community.

Julie Verley

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

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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

“What I have appreciated is what (Splichal-Larson) does to engage young people. He really has them be part of the worship service itself. That's so important for them, but it's also important for us as adults that we see young people in those roles.”

— Julie Verley, Past President, Canton Lutheran Church Congregation

What’s next

The church is continuing its fundraising efforts to reach the $500,000 goal for the full restoration project, with the goal of completing the work by the summer of 2027.

The takeaway

The Canton Lutheran Church's restoration project highlights the importance of preserving historic houses of worship, which often serve as anchors for small communities. By engaging the congregation and broader community, the church is ensuring its century-old sanctuary can continue to be a gathering place for generations to come.