When the church was first organized
in 1893, the congregation met in private homes. On March 27, 1894,
lots 1 and 2 on Millsite and Railroad were donated to the church by Guy
Phillips. Nelson Whitehead had his men clear the land, and the timber
for the church was cut in the summer of 1895. The church was completed
in 1896. It was made of rough 6-inch drop unpainted siding.
The pews and pulpit were made of hand-planed lumber. The bell was
purchased the following year for $7.85, after the hat was passed around
town. When it arrived, with $2 due for freight, the hat was passed
again. In 1900, the church was ceiled and a new floor was added.
The first pastor of the church was Rev. C.R. Godfrey.
Repairs were made as needed
throughout the years. In 1936, the church was renovated and covered
with a brick veneer. The interior woodwork of figured gum was done
by Ben Chitty. Kenneth Mauterer did the textone on the side walls
and ceiling. A brick manse was added and used until its removal in
1978. After a fundraising drive, an organ was purchased for the church
in 1950.
The land was sold to the Bank of Jena
in 1964 and a new church was constructed that year at the corner of Ash
and Crick Streets under the leadership of Rev. Gilbert Wade. A parsonage
was built next to the church in 1977-78. |
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