Viborg UMC and Southern Hills UMC in Sioux Falls received grants of $500 in memory of Warren Kuhler from the Dakotas Conference UMC Commission on Archives and History.

Viborg UMC intends to compile their 140 years of history into one volume with pictures included and eventually have it published. Their historian, Roberta Rasmussen, knew Warren Kuhler personally as a member of a sister church in the parish where he and his wife, Lillian were members. As of the time of Viborg's application, actual costs were not known, but the $500 will be matched by the local congregation and the project brought to completion.

Southern Hills UMC in Sioux Falls started a historical committee to prepare for their Silver Anniversary. The Kuhler grant will assist them in purchasing archival boxes and other supplies to preserve their history. A portion of proceeds was used to commemorate their 25th anniversary this year.

Before his death in 2013 at the age of 90, Warren Kuhler had served on the South Dakota committee and then the Dakotas Conference Commission on Archives and History. As a conference lay leader, Warren understood the need to build current decisions upon the history of the local church. The Warren Kuhler Memorial Grant assists local churches to preserve and connect their local history to their disciple-making, world-transforming mission for today and the future.

For more information, contact Rev. Steve Trefz?
Phone:  605-251-5316
E-mail: steve.trefz@dakotasumc.org