since. . . 1875

The beginning of the Calvary United Methodist Church dates back to 1875 when a Warren Township Union Sabbath School was organized. In 1880 the School was completely overhauled and permanently established as "The West Point Evangelical Sabbath School". Sunday School ran from May to October. It started at 9:00 a.m. with an average attendance of 51. The first Sunday, May 6, 1880 had an offering of $72.00. Records show that George Schmoll, a minister at the Wabash Church, organized this class.

Beginning with the session of May 1882, services were conducted throughout the year. From 1880 to 1884 services were in the West Point school house located where the old fire station stood. The schoolhouse was later moved to east of Bippus.

In 1884 a brick church was built at the present location for $2,500 and known as Calvary Church of the Evangelical Association. Like many churches in this district, it was first an English and German Speaking church. It soon changed to the American language, but by 1895 German language was still continued in the prayer services and one Sunday School class. Mr. Charles Spath prayed in German until his death in the 1920's.

Unitl 1888 the Evangelical Church and the Methodist Church worshipped in the same brick church. This brick church sat 20 feet further to the north than the present church. A driveway circled the church, down the south side, across the back, and up the north side. Hitching racks were lined along the east and south sides at the back of the church. There used to be Evangelistic meetings held each year. One held after the dedication of the church in 1885 which was called the "Big Meeting" and continued for six weeks and produced great results. The people became so stirred up and the shouting so loud and long that the horses were frightened, tore loose from the racks and fled.

After this, the Methodist built their own church. Later improvements made included a gallery in the rear of the church, a small cellar with a hot air furnace, and electric lights. In 1942 along discussed project of enlarging the cellar to a full basement for classrooms was finally undertaken. It was decided to make an opening in the east wall large enough to bring in a caterpillar tractor for excavating. One day in February 1942 the trustees met at the parsonage where the various problems that faced them were discussed. Reverend Sam Pritchard led in an earnest prayer service that God would watch over the task and bless it with His protecting grace so no one need become injured in the dangerous undertaking.

The work progressed well, but on March 1, 1942 a soft spot was struck at the southeast part of the foundation. The trustees immediately knew that construction work was imperiled. The wall was shored up and forms were put in. Cement was to be poured the next morning March 3, 1942. On the eve of March 2, the District Superintendent, R. H. Mueller conducted the quarterly conference and preached a powerful sermon. Was it the sermon, a train that went rumbling through Bippus that morning, or whatever that caused the south wall to collapse about 5:00 a.m. March 3, 1942? No one was injured, so God did watch over the men.

After much discussion and deliberating, it was decided to tear the building down and build an entirely new one. In 1942 there were building restrictions because of World Ware ll. There was extreme difficulty in securing materials which almost brought the work to a discouraging end. After many trips to the priorities office in Indianapolis, the necessary materials were secured.

The old brick church was pulled down by a wrecking crew company from Fort Wayne. Usable bricks were sold, and many are buried in a number of lanes and lots of farms around. Under the direction of Howard Schilling, a member of the church and a contractor, the new church was erected with the help of many volunteers. Howard's son, Arlo Schilling designed the steeple. The copper sheathing with the cross was assembled on the ground, bodily lifted above the framed steeple, and gently lowered in place. The bell had been salvaged.

Our sister church at this time was Bethel. We received many volunteer hours as well as monetary gifts from this church. On October 18, 1942, a beautiful church building which rose glistening white to the glory of God was dedicated. The total cost with the many volunteers was $10,000. Improvements in 1949 was the construction of the stairway at the north exit door and the securing of a hammond two manual organ. In 1954 a new oil furnace was purchased. Another has been purchased recently which includes an air conditioner. In the 1960's a storm blew down the steeple. When it was repaired, it was decided not to place the bell so high again. The bell which dates back to 1894 is now mounted at the front of the church.

There have been many pastors at our church. Before 1910 pastors were limited to one or two years at one field. From 1875 to 1992 we have had 51 ministers at the church, counting one who returned a second time. Reverand Ray Davis was here longer than any others from June 1963 through May 1971.

In 1975 the stairway and the two rooms upstairs were constructed. In 1946 the Evangelical and the United Brethren churches merged. The name of the church was Calvary United Brethren Church. In 1968 our church then merged with the United Methodist Church. Revival meetings were usually held for one or two weeks in the early spring before farming started. When our church stopped the evangelistic meetings, small groups would meet for weekends to talk and give their witnesses.

In 1968 the young married church class bought the house next to the church on the south, tore it down and made it into a parking lot which was much needed. Parking was on the street, before this time.

In 1949 it was decided to hold Bible school at the Bippus school. The bus drivers were given permission to haul in students and teachers. Often, as many as 80 to near 100 attended. In the late 1950's and early 1960's there was a large group of young people in Youth Fellowship.

In 1963 the Missionary Society made a trip to Red Bird Mission. Other groups had also made the trip at other times. There's no date when the Missionary Society started. Our church also has the Ladies Aid and United Methodist Women. It helps with church purchases and with large bills. In the past the church ladies planned a day to clean the church.

Now, the two Bippus churches, St. John's and Calvary take turns every other year sponsoring Bible School.

We thank God for the dedicated leadership, for the talent, and for the good fellowship we have in our church.

Soul Food  |   Worship Leaders  |   Calendar  |   UMW  |   UMYF  |  VBS

Sunday School  |  Photo Album  |   History  |  Upper Room Devotions | Kids Page


Go to Top