I love rolling into a small town and finding a huge surprise.
The history and architecture of Saint Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Tabor, South Dakota, offer a glimpse into the rich heritage of the Czech immigrants who established the church in 1871. The current building, completed in 1898, is an exemplary representation of the Gothic Revival architectural style. It stands as a testament to the skill and dedication of its builders, featuring intricate stained glass windows that cast colorful light into the interior, a tall steeple that punctuates the skyline, and detailed woodwork that highlights the craftsmanship of the period. These architectural elements not only enhance the church’s aesthetic appeal but also serve as enduring symbols of the community’s cultural legacy.
Before I went into the church, I went to admire the two grottos built of river rock.
The inside was also beautiful.
Wandering around inside, I decided to head outside to check out the adjacent cemetery.
I was a bit surprised when I saw this grave marker. The skull and crossbones immediately made me think about the Jolly Roger flag, and I wondered if perhaps a pirate was buried there.
A quick Google search led me to discover that it has a few potential interpretations when placed on a tombstone. I stole this straight from Google’s AI answer.
A skull and crossbones below a crucifix can have multiple meanings, including:
Golgotha
The Aramaic word golgotha means “the place of the skull” in Hebrew, and refers to the site where Jesus was crucified outside of Jerusalem.
Adam’s burial
Medieval tradition held that Adam and Eve were buried at Golgotha, and that Christ’s cross was raised over Adam’s skull. The skull can symbolize Adam’s grave, and the skull and crossbones can represent Christ’s victory over death and sin by being placed beneath Jesus’ feet.
Memento Mori
A Latin phrase that loosely translates to “remember you must die”. The skull can serve as a reminder of human mortality.
Heading around to the back of the church, I found another grotto and a few more items constructed from river stones.
I’d love the brickwork, especially the bricks they used for the rectory. I’ve seen this style of bricks in a number of places in South Dakota, and it always gives the buildings an interesting texture.
Here are a couple more pictures of the church.
And here’s a bonus picture of a mural on the wall of a building near the church.