DARLINGTON — The Immanuel United Church of Christ (IUCC), rededicated the church’s stained-glass windows on Sunday, October 11. The windows had recently been cleaned, reinforced, and reinstalled.

Pastor Dana Caldwell led the congregation during the 10 a.m. church service. Every pew was full as parishioners and descendants of those who originally dedicated the windows, were present to commemorate the historical event.

Each of the windows has its own unique history, which was read by either a descendant or volunteer from the congregation. Presenters included Pastor Dana Caldwell, Janice Ruf, Fritz Hirsbrunner, Nancy Slama, Don Rolli, Pam Hardt, Janette Steger, and Joan Blaser. A Bible passage further commemorated each stained-glass window. Hymns were sung by the parish in celebration. Musicians were Cindy Pluemer, who played the organ; and Steve Siegler, who sang and played guitar.

Adrian English, who did all of the stained-glass window work while working alongside some church volunteers, was present with his family from their home in Davenport, Iowa. Prior to getting the work done, the windows had remained untouched since 1917, when Fritz Adler, a parishioner of the original church, had installed them.

The first dedication of the church took place on Sunday, May 5, 1918. The rededication on Sunday, October 11, highlighted the church’s history in Darlington, and the settlers and families who first started the church. The recent dedication of the stained-glass windows included a Prayer of Dedication and the “Edelweiss” Benediction.

A luncheon followed in the fellowship hall.