In 1873, the Reverend W. T. Hill came to Dell Rapids, South Dakota from Wisconsin. He'd driven more than 500 miles in a lumber wagon with his wife and a few belongings. The trip took more than five weeks, plowing through muddy roads practically all the way. At that time Dell Rapids was the northernmost church or mission in the Dakotas, except for a mission at Flandreau which was conducted by the Presbyterians. No sooner had he arrived than he had to return 60 miles over rivers and sloughs to Worthington, MN, the nearest railroad station. He had to procure provisions for himself and his wife, feed for his team, and lumber for a shelter. Rev. Hill was at first, and for a long time, the only Baptist missionary in Minnehaha county.

The early settlers were a church going people. Since there was only one congregation and Sunday school in town the people, for the time being, forgot their differences, worshipping and working together harmoniously. The church met in small private homes in which would be gathered 40-60 people of all ages. In order to make room for the congregation, beds and furniture were placed out of doors, boards resting on boxes were the seats, and a sewing machine served as a pulpit. Sometimes the meetings were held in sod houses, and when the house was crowded the preacher had to stand in or outside of the doorway. Because of blizzards, floods, and grasshoppers which made life almost unbearable at times, his task was to inspire the people with hope and courage in spite of smallpox, scarlet fever, and diphtheria among the young children. Rev. Hill preached twice a month while establishing his homestead.

Having served in the Union Army as a chaplain, he was able to file on a "Soldier's Homestead" east of Dell Rapids.The work of the pioneer minister was largely a labor of love. Some years they were not paid anything. At one time Rev. Hill froze his feet attending a funeral in the snow, having a hole in his boot and no overshoes. Sometimes he was given a donation in money, provision, or labor for his services; but his total receipts from the field for a year never amounted to even $100.00. The church treasurer report for one year in the 1870's was brief and suggestive, "No money received, and none paid out." No auditing committee was appointed. On another occasion the minister and his wife were invited to a wedding. After the ceremony, the happy bridegroom took the minister aside and told him confidentially that he would have to wait for his fee until after harvest.

Mrs. Hill was on record for contributing $2 in 1877 for the ongoing work of the women in the state. Total gifts that year were $6. Rev. Hill made a couple of trips to Sioux Falls to organize a church in 1872, but the few Baptists whom he found were not ready. However, in 1878 he did find interest among the Baptists in Madison and organized a church there, which at first, was called the Lake County Baptist Church. Rev. and Mrs. Hill left the community in 1881 and returned to Illinois where Mrs. Hill died. He then returned to South Dakota, and afterward to Dell Rapids, where he continued as an active member in the church. The pioneer pastor declined to preach, being convinced that the work of the pioneer was ended, and that a settled pastor was now needed who could devote all his time and energy to the work, and rightfully demand adequate support from the church.

The people loved him and liked his preaching, but had not yet learned how love expresses itself in giving. He lived for 43 years among his people, a benediction to all who knew him.