Church treasured by the Rosebud Sioux community in South Dakota ravaged by fire
Holy Innocents Episcopal Church in Parmelee, South Dakota, Destroyed by Fire
A tragic event has struck the Rosebud Sioux community in South Dakota, as the historic Holy Innocents Episcopal Church in Parmelee was destroyed by a fire on October 28, 2021. The local fire department and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) are currently investigating the cause, with arson suspected.
The church, established in 1890 as a ration station for the Sicangu, the ancestors of today's Rosebud Sioux, holds significant historical value for the community. The structure that burned was the original wood from 1890.
Bishop Jonathan Folts, of the Diocese of South Dakota, expressed his grief and offered support for the parishioners. "As followers of Jesus Christ, we are a people of hope," he said. "We are faithful, we are resilient, and we will persevere." He traveled to Parmelee on October 30 to pray with residents.
Members of the community have reacted with shock at the news of the church's destruction. Prairie Rose Chapin, a member, expressed that the church can never be replaced due to its historical significance. Caŋté Húŋkešni Wí, another member, posted anguish after seeing the destruction in person, mentioning the church's ties to their family's memories.
Services will continue in a temporary worship space in the nearby guild hall. The congregation, which ranges from about 5 to 25 members on Sundays, had not been worshiping in the church building since it was damaged by vandals in December 2022. All that the congregation was able to salvage from the ruins were part of a brass Niobrara cross and the church's bell, which was damaged.
The diocese had planned to finish repairs in time to resume worship in the church by this Christmas, but those plans have been put on hold. People interested in supporting the congregation can make a financial donation online through the Diocese of South Dakota.
The Rev. Lauren Stanley, canon to the ordinary, has been posting updates on Facebook. She has expressed her sadness and asked for prayers for the parishioners. The community continues to rally together, showing their resilience in the face of adversity.
Parmelee is located west of Mission in the northwest corner of the Rosebud Indian Reservation, about a half hour from the Nebraska state line. The fire is currently the focus of a criminal investigation, and the community awaits updates on the cause.
