SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — The Union Gospel Mission, 701 East 8th Street in Sioux Falls, will celebrate its 122nd anniversary with an open house and chili cook off, Thursday, March 17, noon-5 p.m.
“We are the second oldest rescue mission in the United States,” said Eric Weber, the Mission’s CEO. “And we embody the tradition of rescue missions throughout the country.”
Weber said the ministry was founded by Thomas F. Morse, who was convicted in Roberts County for the shooting death of a man in Sisseton, September 1893. “Morse received a visit from ‘Mother Wheaton,’ who traveled to prisons around the United States, sharing the Gospel with prisoners. He gave his life to Christ, and in 1898 received a full pardon from Governor Andrew Lee. He founded the Union Gospel Mission, March 17, 1900.”
Today, Union Gospel Mission is the largest emergency shelter in the Sioux Falls area, providing shelter and meals for an average 125 men, women and children each night, along with a resident addiction recovery program, and an average 900 food boxes to the community poor each week.
To celebrate the ministry’s anniversary, the staff will open the doors to the public, hosting a chili cook off from noon to 2 p.m., along with tours, live music, art projects and other activities. The winner of the Chili Cook Off will receive a gift card for $122.
“We’re also accepting donations of new, packaged socks and underwear for men, women and children,” Weber said, “We hope to welcome folks who’ve never visited the Mission before so bring your friends!”
To learn more, visit our event page here, RSVP or contact Elly Heckel at 605-334-6732 or elly@ugmsiouxfalls.com.
(The UGM contributed this report/news release.)
