History
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Historical Sketch
On December 1, 1849 when the State of Wisconsin was one year old and there were less than 200 souls in the frontier village of De Pere, a small group of men and women met in the only public building in the village, the Brown County Court House, on the corner of George and Wisconsin Streets and formally organized this church under the auspices of the Presbyterian Board of Domestic Missions. It consisted of ten members with Rev. John Stewart as its first Pastor. This church became the first organized church of De Pere. It also sponsored a Parochial school in 1854 since Public Schools were not yet established in this area. The first Sunday School dates back to 1837.
The congregation met in the Court House until the first church building was built in 1854. Fire swept through a large segment of the community in 1884, and the church building was among the casualties. The church was rebuilt again on the same site, the southeast corner of Michigan and James Streets, completed and dedicated in October 1887, and served the congregation until 1962 when the present church was built. It has been expanded in two successive additions as the needs of the growing congregation required.
This present building on Webster Avenue was built in three phases. The first, the North Education Wing, was completed and dedicated in May 1959. The Sunday School met in this new wing while worship services were still held in the church on Michigan and James Street. This was not very convenient for families, so all of the church programs were moved to Webster Avenue in 1962, while the second phase of the building program - the Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall - were completed and the corner stone laid in 1963. The third phase, the South Wing, Bell Tower with elevator, enclosed outside doors and other improvements were made. It was completed and dedicated in 1989...The bell in the tower is from the former church building and has been used to call people to worship since 1887...
We have many Christian Education Programs for young people, men, and women of all ages. Our Sunday School Program is very active, and our music programs are growing. In 1943, the De Pere Presbyterian monthly church paper began...keeping the congregation informed about the many activities and opportunities for spiritual growth and services. In 1973, the 'Thursday Club' began, sponsored as a community outreach for people ages 55 and over. It meets monthly.
Since the beginning membership of ten, we have been steadily growing and continue to serve and reach out, helping to - 'Change lives through God's love in Christ'.
- Virginia Denis -
Historical Summary
1837 De Pere had about 200 residents.
1849 First Presbyterian Church of De Pere organized with 10 members. Sewing Society organized to make garments for the poor and give aid to the sick. (Later known as Ladies Aid and then Presbyterian Ladies Church Workers' Association.
1852 Church services were held in the Court House. The choir sat in the prisoner's boxes. Six of the seven members were Stewarts.
1854 Parochial school organized. (3 years in existence). First church building completed.
1889 Christian Endeavor organized (Youth program).
1891 Jr. Christian Endeavor organized. In the early years the church had a significant library. (No public library in De Pere).
1899 Sunday School enrollment of 200. 50th Anniversary Celebration. There was a morning and evening choir during these years.
1913 A basement, choir loft, and south extension were added to the building. A pipe organ was installed. During this period Dr. Talbot lead exceptional Sunday evening studies with audio-visuals. Prayer meetings were held weekly.
1920's Sunday School classes were held in Little Rapids.
1924 Exceptionally high benevolence receipts were reported ($2,331.44). The church supported a full time missionary in the Philippines, Rev. J. L. Hooper. A Student's Rotary Fund was established, from which Carroll College students could borrow.
1931 Women's Missionary Society organized in the home of Mrs. Charles Evans.
1943 There was a pastorate exchange between two pastors: Rev. Kell went to Elwood, Indiana, and Rev. Fulcomer came to De Pere. Church improvements in the basement for $4000. A Couples Club was organized. The De Pere Presbyterian, the first church newsletter, was initiated. The Couples Club sponsored a Service Men's page for the newsletter
1944 Boy Scout Troop #34 was chartered. A Girl Scout troop was organized. The 95th Anniversary Celebration was held. There was a 100% increase in Sunday School enrollment due to specially created Bible centered lessons.
1945 A part time Secretary was hired. New roof installed, the old center cupola was removed, and an exit/entrance added. New pews and carpeting were purchased with the 100th Anniversary Fund Drive funds. Presbyterian Church Workers combines with Missionary Society to be called Church Workers Association. Circles were organized.
1946 Couples Club became Sefas Sunday Evening Fellowship & Study). The Visual Education program for Christian Education received state wide recognition.
1947 The Senior Westminster Fellowship planned worship service suggestions which were used throughout the nation.
1948 The Christian Endeavor group became Westminster Fellowship. A new organ was installed. Men's Club was organized. The New Life Movement was a big success (Lay visitation program). Christian Faith and Life Curriculum adopted. Sunday School attendance was 169, Westminster Fellowship and Youth was 75.
1949 Local budget: $8510, Benevolence fund: $3320. In addition, $3000 was raised by the De Pere church for the Bellin Memorial Hospital Financial Campaign. Two worship services were held. The final phase of the church restoration was completed. Sunday School had 225 enrolled in 19 classes.
1956 About this time the Men's Club began the annual fruit cake bake.
1958 Construction was approved for the new building for $115,269 plus 10% for furnishings.
1958 Proposed budget was $17,979.
1959 Proposed budget was $23,000.
1960 Allan Turriff was appointed Senior Usher.
1961 De Pere Co-Operative Nursery School was organized and licensed.
1962 A mortgage was approved for $135,000 to complete the Sanctuary. Initial bids were too high so the south wing and covered walkway were dropped from the project.
1963 Discussion on whether to have a one or two year Confirmation class. It was decided to have a two year program. A "College Night" was planned for students home during the Christmas holidays. Sunday School enrollment was so large that split classes were considered. Teachers of Sunday School were limited to three years. UPW equipped the entire kitchen, contributed $1000 to furnishing Fellowship Hall and gave $600 to the Building Fund. Mission Budget was $4500.
1964 Men's Coffee Club became Adult Bible Study. Old church building was sold for $8500.
1965 Aug. 8, Session had a venison dinner prepared by Rev. Rubesh. Linda Liebert recommended to Presbytary as a candidate for the church vocation. Additional hours were requested for secretarial and C. E. responsibilities.
1966 $50 Million Fund - $12,000 pledged over a 3 year period. Bibles purchased for hymn racks. Junior High began meeting on Wednesday evenings. Sunday morning Forum introduced. Two nurseries provided during worship.
1967 New choir director - Darrell Gilow. 30 choir robes authorized.
1968 Session voted not to provide nursery care during services. Concern was expressed for church attendance and growth. Christian Education Commission recommended that nursery care during services be provided by the Mariner's Club. The DISC Stewardship program was approved.
1969 "Ambassador Club" formed to recruit new members.
1970 UPW redecorated Room 1. Approval given to place bell in Room 1. Approval given to purchase a new organ. ($32,000). South real estate purchased for $18,000. 25-30 children are enrolled in Children's and Junior Choir. Senior choir has 16 members. Mary Seiler became Sr. Choir Director.
1971 Unicameral Board established. C.E. Consultant hired. A.C.E. Lenten studies began. We were involved in the Christian Family Movement, an ecumenical dialogue group. A Tuesday Prayer Group was formed. De Pere Counselling Services came into existence. Women began participating in the Mobile Meals program.
1972 Ecumenical Vacation Church School began. Spares and Pairs have first Annual Progressive Dinner Party.
1973 Ecumenical Vacation Church School attendance 243, staff 65.
1974 125th Anniversary Celebration. We celebrate 28 years of having Lucille Miracle as organist. A Spiritual Renewal week was held with Bill Iverson as key speaker. The street assessment on the Webster widening was contested. Sunday Prayer Service began. Ecumenical Vacation Church attendance 293, staff 78. A hospital visitation program for out of town people was organized. Major maintenance was done on the interior of the church with a volunteer crew of painters.
1975 The litigation on the Webster Street assessment continues. A part-time Christian Education director is hired.
1976 Church grieves the death of Ruth Komp, long time supporter of Christian Education. New choir director, Rita Kilmer. First Session Planning Retreat held. A priority is set to renew the spiritual growth of the congregation. There is a budget crunch this year. A new roof is placed on the C. E. wing. Mortgage on south real estate is paid off.
1977 Ruth Komp Library is established in Room 1. New sound system installed. Prayer chain started (31 members).
1979 Assistant Pastor position is created. A Spiritual Emphasis Week is held with Rev. Cliff Custer as the key speaker. Major Mission Fund raises $37,000 in pledges. Nicky Cruz Crusade is held in Green Bay, involving several members. Bethel Bible Study begins with 17 persons.
1980 The litigation on the Webster Street assessment is lost. Assistant Pastor's office is remodeled. New telephone system installed. The Balcony is completed at a cost of $17,000 for materials and volunteers doing the construction. Thursday morning Bible study is initiated. Pony Express Stewardship Drive is held. Pledges increase 28%.
1981 Major Mission goal of $37,000 is completed. First Senior High work trip (Kansas City).
1981 North real estate is purchased for $43,000. Senior High Talent Show is held.
1983 Interim staff person is hired to help with C. E. and hospital visitation. Endowment Fund established. Rev. Anderson begins Doctor of Ministry studies. Sunday Nursery Committee organized. Pew cushions purchased. Sunday Evening Prayer & Praise Service begun. Choral Sunday introduced.
1984 Capital Improvement fund established for maintenance. First Annual Advent Festival.
1985 Custodian, Clarence Broberg retires after 22 years of service. Church exterior painted. Mission Festival held (India). Sunday School sponsored Religion and Recreation Day. Sweetheart Dinner held. Three missionaries adopted.
1986 Rev. Anderson completes his Doctorate. Extra Commitment Giving initiated. Long Range Planning Task Force formed.
1987 Rev. Phil Philbrook becomes a volunteer Pastoral Assistant for visitation of new members. $350,000 raised in 3 year pledges on the $50,000 building addition. Adult retreats were held on the theme "Sharing the Good News". Annual Mission Fair with John Haspels, missionary from Africa.
1988 Maintenance Commission contracts a cleaning service. 8:00 AM worship service initiated. Mission Fair: Nancy Ramur, India.
1989 Choir performs a Christmas Cantata. Visit by Margaret Chase, missionary in Cameroon
1990 Simple suppers are introduced.
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Historical Summary of Building & Property
1854 First church building completed
1884 Church building destroyed by fire
1887 New building dedicated (N. Michigan and James)
1913 Pipe organ installed
1945-49 Major renovations on building (100th Anniversary)
1956 Building site purchased (Webster, near George St., 2.1 acres, $14,000)
1958 Christian Education wing completed ($115,269)
1963 Sanctuary completed ($135,000)
1970 South real estate purchased ($18,000)
1971 New organ installed ($32,000)
1978 Mortgage paid up on church building.
1980 Balcony completed ($17,000 for materials, constructed by volunteers)
1987 North real estate purchased ($43,000), House on South Earl estate razed.
1989 South wing completed ($450,000), Bell tower/elevator completed.