JUDA - The congregation of the Juda Zion United Methodist Church will celebrate its 150th birthday during the 10:45 a.m. service Jan. 29, with fellowship following. Special speaker for the event will be Bishop Hee-Soo Jung of the Wisconsin Conference. Bishop Jung was born in Korea and came to Wisconsin after serving in the Chicago area for eight years. Short monologues, gifts and a birthday cake also will be part of the service.
In 1867, eight German-speaking families consisting of the families of Peter Jenny, William Haberman, William Asmus, Fritz Matzke, William Hartwick, William Schwerin, Michael Schwerin and Gottlieb Hartwick, organized the "Juda Zions Church of the Evangelical Association of North America, in the Town of Jefferson, Green County, State of Wisconsin." Within a few months, the congregation purchased land in the village of Juda and constructed a 32-foot by 50-foot frame building with basement and bell tower at a cost of $3,200.
As the congregation grew, a larger church was needed and in 1909 a red brick structure was built. This served the members until 1954 when it was decided that more Sunday School room was needed for the youth activities and the present Lannon stone worship center was constructed.
Among the items reclaimed from the 1909 church were the large stained glass windows that are a major feature of the current building and the church bell that has been used in all three churches.
Over the past 150 years, 41 pastors have served the members, 17 candidates for the ministry have been recommended by the congregation and three former members have served in the mission field.
Historical items to be displayed during the year will include a copy of the original Incorporation Certificate dated Jan. 31, 1867; a copy of the warranty deed to purchase land for the original church; copies of the 75th, 100th, and 125th anniversary booklets; the original Martin Luther edition of the Bible in the German language; photos of all 41 pastors; and many other items.
Additional special events planned for 2017 include an all-music service May 7, and a Homecoming celebration Oct. 22.
In 1867, eight German-speaking families consisting of the families of Peter Jenny, William Haberman, William Asmus, Fritz Matzke, William Hartwick, William Schwerin, Michael Schwerin and Gottlieb Hartwick, organized the "Juda Zions Church of the Evangelical Association of North America, in the Town of Jefferson, Green County, State of Wisconsin." Within a few months, the congregation purchased land in the village of Juda and constructed a 32-foot by 50-foot frame building with basement and bell tower at a cost of $3,200.
As the congregation grew, a larger church was needed and in 1909 a red brick structure was built. This served the members until 1954 when it was decided that more Sunday School room was needed for the youth activities and the present Lannon stone worship center was constructed.
Among the items reclaimed from the 1909 church were the large stained glass windows that are a major feature of the current building and the church bell that has been used in all three churches.
Over the past 150 years, 41 pastors have served the members, 17 candidates for the ministry have been recommended by the congregation and three former members have served in the mission field.
Historical items to be displayed during the year will include a copy of the original Incorporation Certificate dated Jan. 31, 1867; a copy of the warranty deed to purchase land for the original church; copies of the 75th, 100th, and 125th anniversary booklets; the original Martin Luther edition of the Bible in the German language; photos of all 41 pastors; and many other items.
Additional special events planned for 2017 include an all-music service May 7, and a Homecoming celebration Oct. 22.
