Bowdle Seventh-Day Adventist Church Where faith meets everyday life
Rooted in the prairie and built by faith, the Bowdle Seventh‑Day Adventist Church began in 1889 when a small group met in a farmhouse south of town. From those humble gatherings grew a family of believers who rebuilt, served, and stayed faithful through every season. Today, we carry that legacy forward — worshiping together, caring for one another, and sharing God’s love with our community.
Founding and Early Years (1889–1906)
The Bowdle Seventh‑day Adventist Church traces its beginnings to 1889, when a small group of believers gathered in the home of Philip Dollinger south of Bowdle for Sabbath worship. On May 4, 1890, pastors Valentine Lehr and Conrad Reising formally organized the congregation. Thirty charter members joined—fifteen newly baptized believers from Bowdle and fifteen from the Sully Church near Java. Among the first officers were Adam Hagele Sr. (elder), Adam Eiseman (clerk), and Ferdinand Knecht (deacon). In 1893, members built their first sanctuary about seven and a half miles south of town, traveling by horse and buggy to worship together.
Growth and Rebuilding (1906–1947)
By 1906, the congregation had outgrown its building. A new church was constructed, financed entirely by members’ offerings and labor. Records from that year list detailed expenses—lumber, nails, paint, and carpentry—totaling $1,296.76, all paid in full. In 1945, tragedy struck when the church caught fire during remodeling. With no water supply available, the building was lost. Services continued in the Bowdle Methodist Church until a new structure was built in town. On May 24, 1947, the new Bowdle Seventh‑day Adventist Church was dedicated to the Lord after months of volunteer work by local families.
Community and Service (1947–1990)
Through the decades, the Bowdle church became a center of faith and fellowship.
- Education: Early church schools were held in homes and farms—the Dollinger, Hagele, and Bärle families among the hosts. Teachers such as Dan Wall, Agnes Weinheimer, and Anna Binder guided children in both academics and faith.
- Dorcas Society: Led by women including Mrs. Dan Mertz, Mrs. Walter Johnson, and Mrs. Wallace Haggie, the Dorcas Society repaired clothing, aided families in need, and partnered with the Salvation Army.
- Medical and Missionary Work: Members served as nurses, doctors, and missionaries around the world—names like Binder, Heinrich, Reuer, and Holweger appear throughout denominational records.
- Military Service: Many sons and daughters of the congregation served their country from World War I through the modern era, including Julius Krueger, Duane Reuer, and Aaron Siewert.
- Church Leadership: Generations of families—Hagele, Heinrich, Gill, Binder, Schack, and others—filled roles as elders, deacons, teachers, and musicians, keeping the church vibrant and active.
Generations of Faith (1990–Present)
By 1990, the Bowdle SDA Church stood as both a spiritual home and a historical landmark. The sanctuary, rebuilt and lovingly maintained, hosted worship, Sabbath School, and community outreach. Families whose ancestors helped found the church continued to serve—proof that faith and fellowship endure across generations. Today, the Bowdle Seventh‑day Adventist Church remains a living testimony to perseverance, service, and the shared belief that small beginnings can grow into lasting legacies.
Pastor Andrew Burrows
Pastor Andrew Burrows
Pastor Andrew Burrows
Pastor Burrows has served in ministry for more than six years, including time in teaching and over five years in missionary pastoral work. He has been serving the Bowdle church for nine months and appreciates the quiet beauty of rural life. His journey has taken him across four countries and twelve U.S. states, giving him a broad perspec
Pastor Burrows has served in ministry for more than six years, including time in teaching and over five years in missionary pastoral work. He has been serving the Bowdle church for nine months and appreciates the quiet beauty of rural life. His journey has taken him across four countries and twelve U.S. states, giving him a broad perspective and a deep love for sharing Christ in every place he’s called.
His heart for people, his humility, and his love for the gospel continue to bless our church family.
Elder Andy Maes
Pastor Andrew Burrows
Pastor Andrew Burrows
Andy has been part of the Seventh‑day Adventist Church since 2004 and has served in ministry for more than twenty‑one years as a Sabbath School superintendent, teacher, deacon, and elder. He and his wife, Jan, moved to South Dakota in 2022. They have two grown children — a son in North Carolina and a daughter in Washington — and they lov
Andy has been part of the Seventh‑day Adventist Church since 2004 and has served in ministry for more than twenty‑one years as a Sabbath School superintendent, teacher, deacon, and elder. He and his wife, Jan, moved to South Dakota in 2022. They have two grown children — a son in North Carolina and a daughter in Washington — and they love studying the Bible, praying, walking, gardening, and working together around their home. As Andy nears retirement, he looks forward to spending even more time doing the things they enjoy most, always with a heart for serving God and others.
Elder Daniel Hughes
Pastor Andrew Burrows
Treasurer Connie Heinrich
Daniel committed his life to Christ in 2007 and soon began sharing his faith through tracts and personal ministry. After attending a Bible Prophecy Seminar in early 2008 that deeply strengthened his walk with God, he started attending and serving at the Bowdle Seventh‑day Adventist Church.
Serving the church family is a blessing to him, b
Daniel committed his life to Christ in 2007 and soon began sharing his faith through tracts and personal ministry. After attending a Bible Prophecy Seminar in early 2008 that deeply strengthened his walk with God, he started attending and serving at the Bowdle Seventh‑day Adventist Church.
Serving the church family is a blessing to him, both as he sees others grow in Christ and as it strengthens his own walk with Jesus. He enjoys spending time with family, farming, camping, and gardening.
Treasurer Connie Heinrich
Children's Ministry Leader Sarah Heinrich
Treasurer Connie Heinrich
Connie has served in church ministry for more than fifty years, including forty‑six of those here in Bowdle. Over the years she has faithfully shared her gifts as a Sabbath School teacher, treasurer, and pianist, always finding joy in the smiles of children, the preparation that goes into teaching, and the beauty of music. Her life has t
Connie has served in church ministry for more than fifty years, including forty‑six of those here in Bowdle. Over the years she has faithfully shared her gifts as a Sabbath School teacher, treasurer, and pianist, always finding joy in the smiles of children, the preparation that goes into teaching, and the beauty of music. Her life has taken her far beyond Bowdle as well — she spent two years working as an accountant in Africa and later taught elementary school in Mobridge. Connie is married with two daughters and two grandchildren, and she enjoys knitting, reading, and the simple joys of everyday life. Her steady dedication and gentle spirit continue to bless our church family.
Clerk Sarah Gill
Children's Ministry Leader Sarah Heinrich
Children's Ministry Leader Sarah Heinrich
Sarah was raised in the Seventh‑day Adventist Church and joined the Bowdle congregation when she married her husband. She stepped into the role of church clerk in 2024 and enjoys keeping things organized and helping the church run smoothly behind the scenes. Over the past sixteen years, she has served in many areas of ministry, including
Sarah was raised in the Seventh‑day Adventist Church and joined the Bowdle congregation when she married her husband. She stepped into the role of church clerk in 2024 and enjoys keeping things organized and helping the church run smoothly behind the scenes. Over the past sixteen years, she has served in many areas of ministry, including as a deaconess, Sabbath School teacher, music ministry leader, worship coordinator, and assistant treasurer. Homeschooling her children and working at the local hospital keep her days full, but she loves serving her church family in practical, meaningful ways.
Children's Ministry Leader Sarah Heinrich
Children's Ministry Leader Sarah Heinrich
Children's Ministry Leader Sarah Heinrich
Sarah has spent about ten years caring for children through parenting, childcare, surrogacy, and foster care. She has served in Bowdle’s ministry for around four years and loves teaching kids about Jesus, especially because of their curiosity and excitement as they learn. She is a mom to two children and a foster mom to two more, and she
Sarah has spent about ten years caring for children through parenting, childcare, surrogacy, and foster care. She has served in Bowdle’s ministry for around four years and loves teaching kids about Jesus, especially because of their curiosity and excitement as they learn. She is a mom to two children and a foster mom to two more, and she enjoys helping lead the church’s monthly Kids Night. Being a mother to many and sharing Jesus with them is her passion. She also works full time as a physical therapist, where she finds fulfillment in caring for adults as well, and she loves bringing that same compassion and joy into every part of her ministry.