Restoring Radiance

CLC Stained Glass Window Project

Canton Lutheran Church Receives National Grant Funding

THANKS BE TO GOD!

Canton Lutheran Church has been awarded $185,245 from the National Fund for Sacred Places, a program of Partners for Sacred Places in collaboration with the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

The Restoring Radiance Committee submitted the extensive grant application in late February. In June, the Committee was informed that CLC was among a limited number of applicants invited to submit an Additional Information Application. In July, that application was submitted. And on October 21st, the grant recipients were publicly announced!  

Canton Lutheran is one of 30 organizations who will cumulatively receive over $8.7 million in funding this year. It is interesting to note that there are two other Lutheran Churches, both ELCA, who are also 2025 grant recipients. Those sister churches are in Kansas and Washington D.C. Canton Lutheran Church is the first South Dakota organization selected to receive this grant in the nine years this grant program has existed.

The National Fund for Sacred Places grant requires a dollar-for-dollar match, so CLC’s grant will cover half of the estimated cost for Phase 2 and Phase 3 of the CLC Restoring Radiance stained glass window restoration project. That means that we have much work to do … but what an incredibly amazing gift!

If you would like to learn more about this program and the 2025 grant recipients, visit https://www.fundforsacredplaces.org/.

The Restoring Radiance project is…

A comprehensive initiative aimed at restoring and protecting Canton Lutheran Church’s stained-glass windows in the sanctuary worship space, coordinated by the Restoring Radiance Committee, Executive Council, and other leaders. This endeavor is not merely about preserving beautiful artifacts; it is about maintaining the historical integrity of a building that has stood as a beacon of faith in our community for over a century, the congregation’s origins predating the building itself. 

This effort of restoring CLC’s stained glass windows has been in process for well over a decade, and was reinvigorated in 2025.  A committee of dedicated CLC members is eagerly taking on the task of guiding our congregation in this faithful project.

We trust that God continues to guide CLC in many and various ways, and that Christ’s love is shown in and through our building and congregation. 

Bike to Worship - Sunday, October 5th

The second annual “Bike to Worship” was great! We biked to CLC worship from Sioux Falls, with many people joining the ride along the route. This year it serves as a fun, mini-fundraiser for CLC’s Restoring Radiance stained glass window project. Donate using GoFundMe. A portion of the donations will also go to support our important, local ministry partner Love INC (Canton).

We had a great time, of many ages joining in the ride and fundraising effort. And you can still donate to this effort; simply click the link/button below.

Seeking Support

CLC is blessed with strong, community-involved lay leaders, staff, and pastor. These individuals and groups, along with the wider congregation, wholeheartedly support the Restoring Radiance project. Our faithful Restoring Radiance Committee and other leadership continue to work towards what is best and feasible for Phases 2 & 3.

Support from the National Fund for Sacred Places Program (NFSPP) is important, and we are grateful for this $1:$1 matching grant. The not only provides necessary funds but also offer invaluable training and guidance.

All gifts now received go toward the $1 : $1 matching grant.