In 1859, brothers George and Parker V. Brown moved from Vermillion in the Dakota Territory to "a beautiful and sightly location ten miles [about 15 km] from Yankton", which they dubbed "Lakeport", and where they built a log hotel.

Since timber was scarce on the prairie, the church was built out of chalkrock, quarried from the banks of the Missouri River to the south.

The church was essentially abandoned and began to deteriorate, despite some maintenance by local residents.

After many years, a grant was secured from the South Dakota Historical Society to assist in the restoration of the building.

In its nomination to the National Register, the building was described as "an excellent example of Gothic style, ethnically interpreted".