The History of Our Church

The early settlers who comprised the congregation came from the East, mainly from Ohio and Pennsylvania.  During the year 1851-1852, Reverend Jacob Schaefele, an early circuit rider, began to preach in Washington.  The first meetings were held in homes.  For a while they were permitted to hold their services in the Presbyterian Church.

In 1853 the congregation was organized and became know as the Zion Evangelical Church.  The growing membership purchased the present property from David Kern for $80 and erected a log church which was dedicated on Christmas Day, 1853.

During the pastorate of Reverend William Schmus, the second church building was constructed at a cost of $5,000.  The large frame church was dedicated in October, 1882.

When the second structure would no longer answer the needs of the congregation, a new building was constructed.  The new edifice incorporated the old church which had been moved to the north of the lot, all veneered with the vitrified brick of which the new structure was built.  Dedication ceremonies took place on December 31, 1911, during the pastorate of Reverend G. A. Manshardt.

The Farmdale Church merged with the Washington congregation in 1921.  This was followed in 1922 by a merger of the Holland’s Grove congregation with the Washington church.

In 1946 a merger took place between two denominations; namely, The Evangelical and the United Brethren in Christ.  At that time, this congregation changed its name to Zion Evangelical United Brethren.

A major renovation was completed with reopening services on March 30, 1952.  The $35,364.00 improvement came during the pastorate of Reverend H.O. Zimmerman.

A week of special services in honor of our centennial anniversary climaxed on Sunday, October 11, 1953.  Bishop E.W. Praetorius spoke at the two services.

On Palm Sunday, April 10, 1960, a very beautiful and inspirational chapel and three attractive classrooms were dedicated.  Under the leadership of Reverend Wilbur Payne, this was accomplished by remodeling a portion of the existing building.

In 1968 there was a merger of the Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church.  As a result of this merger, this congregation now goes by the official name of the Evangelical United Methodist Church.

From 1964 through 1969, the congregation accumulated seven pieces of property, including a new parsonage, in anticipation of future expansion.  Although the total value of the property purchased was $97,602.00, final payment on the debt was made in 1971.  The congregation moved ahead with planning for future building.  An architect was employed and a study group appointed.  1972 began with a very successful financial drive for a building fund under the direction of Dr. Wesley McKelvey from the Department of Finance and Field Service.  On March 1 1972 the congregation decided to enter a building program.  A building committee was elected.  The plans for an educational unit and fellowship hall were approved on September 17 as well as the financing program.

On April 28, 1974 we celebrated the completion of our new educational unit.  The final cost of the building and furnishings was $363,631.67.

On March 13, 1978, the Trustees recommended to proceed with a building committee to study regarding a new sanctuary.

On May 4, 1980, ground breaking for the sanctuary was held.  The sanctuary was occupied Palm Sunday, April 12, 1981.

This building is the fourth one erected in the same general area.  The congregation was organized in 1853 and now includes three former Evangelical Churches—Washington, Farmdale, and Holland’s Grove.

Since 1964 a number of properties occupying the present site were acquired and removed making way for our present Educational Building, Fellowship Hall, Sanctuary and Parking areas.

Ministers Who Served the Washington Congregation

1853-1854 Rev. Snow and Rev. Schaefele
1854-1856 Rev. Christian Hummel
1856-1859 Rev. Jacob Himmel
1859-1861 Rev. Jacob Schaefele
1861-1862 Rev. Christian Kopp
1862-1863 Rev. J.P. Kramer
1863-1864 Rev. C.J. Speilman
1864-1866 Rev. John Miller
1866-1868 Rev. W.F. Walker
1868-1870 Rev. Heinrich Hintze
1870-1872 Rev. F.G. Zinser
1872-1873 Rev. John Kurtz
1873-1874 Rev. E. Von Freeden
1874-1877 Rev. G.H. Schumacker
1877-1879 Rev. V.A. Tobias
1879-1882 Rev. W. Neitz
1882-1885 Rev. William Schmus
1885-1887 Rev. C. Augenstein
1887-1890 Rev. J.B. Elfrink
1890-1893 Rev. E.J. Troyer
1893-1896 Rev. E. Von Freedon
1896-1897 Rev. J.K. Bauerie
1897-1901 Rev. J.H. Blaser
1901-1903 Rev. S. Nauman
1903-1904 Rev. H.F. Ebert
1904-1906 Rev. F.F. Jordan
1906-1910 Rev. C.J. Schaefer
1910-1915 Rev. G.A. Manshardt
1915-1916 Rev. Leo Schmidt
1916-1920 Rev. J.C. Schaefer
1920-1924 Rev. E. Burgi
1924-1929 Rev. William Beuscher
1929-1934 Rev. H.B. Schaefer
1934-1941 Rev. G.H. Wykle
1941-1943 Rev. William Beuscher
1943-1944 Rev. Wm. Beuscher and Rev. J.C. Schaefer
1944-1951 Rev. E.M. Diener
1951-1957 Rev. H.O. Zimmerman
1957-1960 Rev. Wilbur Payne
1960-1967 Rev. Milford Best
1967-1977 Rev. Robert Hartman
1977-1984 Rev. Claude Mosher
1984-1994 Rev. William Leppin
1994-2000 Rev. Robert Wood
2000-Present Rev. Richard Sullins