(Continued from page 2)

church," Doug Johnson, Director of Aberdeen Parks, Recreation and Forestry, told the Groton Independent. "But (we) felt it would be worth the time to explore the possibility of placing the church in the park and making it available as a rental facility for small weddings, renewal of vows ceremonies and nondenominational church services."
• The letter from the historical society to Johnson does not express a reason why the historical society is looking to donate the building to the City of Aberdeen.
• "It is our desire that the building be relocated to Wylie Park," White states in the letter. "Our intention is to move the building to Wylie Park, leaving the City of Aberdeen responsible for the cost of the foundation and electrical hookup."
• According to Groton City officials, there was no contact from the Brown County Historical Society about keeping the building in Groton. There has also been no information shared with the South Dakota Historical Society, who oversee the Registries of Historic Places in the state. The church is listed in the National Register and would loose that honor if moved from its present location.
• "A building that is on the National Register of Historic Places can not be moved from its location," Chris Nelson, SD Historic Preservation Specialist, said. "Without losing its distinction as a National Register."
• There may still be hope of keeping the building in Groton if there is enough interest in the community.
• "We are going to evaluate the cost of placing the church in the park and it may turn out to be cost prohibitive" Johnson said. "If there is interest in keeping the church in Groton, we are certainly supportive of that effort."
• The Brown County Historical Society will host its summer meeting at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 14, at the Trinity Episcopal Church.

(Continued on page 4)