MONROE — Pastor of Staver United Methodist Church Inwha Shon is opening the public to the 150th anniversary celebration of the church Sept. 14. There will be a special service and music at 10:45 a.m. with a message delivered by Rev. Scott Carlson, district superintendent.
All former members and residents of the community are encouraged to share in this event. A potluck lunch will be served in the church dining room immediately following the service.
In the middle 1860s, a series of camp meeting sessions started in the community which later became known as Stavers. The community was made up of families of German descent who were in the habit of worshiping regularly. The homes and school house soon became too small to accommodate all who wished to attend.
On Jan. 14, 1869, a group met at the home of Frederick Staver and drew up the Articles of Incorporation for the church. Staver offered to donate land for the erection of the church and a cemetery. In the spring of 1869 ground was broken and the building started with nearly all the work donated by the men of the community. On Oct. 8, 1869, Frederick Staver’s wife, Rebecca, passed away. Although the new church was not yet completed, her husband insisted that her funeral service should be held in the church. Benches and chairs were taken to the church and the funeral service of Rebecca Staver was the first service to be held in the church and she was also the first burial in the new cemetery.
The church was completed at a cost of slightly over $1,500. In 1871, a bell was purchased and installed at an additional cost of $260. The bell is still used today and long-time member, David Burkhalter still carries on the tradition of ringing the bell before the service each Sunday.
The church has always been an important part of the community and over the years several of its members became ministers. Over time many changes have occurred and through various mergers, and eventually the church became a United Methodist Church in the Wisconsin Conference.
The church is located at the corner of County Roads P and HK, southwest of Monroe.
