DARLINGTON - Immanuel United Church of Christ marks a milestone Sunday.
The church will celebrate its 100th anniversary, almost to the day it was founded.
On July 11, 1909, a constitution was signed by 58 families to form a new congregation in Darlington.
According to the Lafayette County Bicentennial Book, the church, although not formally organized, began in 1902 when a group of Swiss settlers began to meet in homes. For several years the congregation met in the Odd Fellows Hall, the Baptist Church and the Congregational Church. They also met in an old school east of Darlington and in various homes.
When the congregation formed the church in 1909, the Rev. P.A. Schuh of Monroe took the train every Sunday to preach at the church.
The services were conducted in German.
In 1917, a new church was built at its present location, 339 E. Louisa St.
According to church history, the new church was built in a Western Gothic style. It was 75 feet long and 40 feet wide. The church tower was 80 feet tall. Families donated the church's stained glass windows.
The new church was dedicated on May 5, 1918.
In 1939, the Rev. Hugo Weichelt became the church's first full-time minister. The sermons were changed from German to English.
A fellowship hall and education wing was added to the church in 1974.
The church will celebrate its 100th anniversary at 1 p.m. Sunday, July 12.
The church will celebrate its 100th anniversary, almost to the day it was founded.
On July 11, 1909, a constitution was signed by 58 families to form a new congregation in Darlington.
According to the Lafayette County Bicentennial Book, the church, although not formally organized, began in 1902 when a group of Swiss settlers began to meet in homes. For several years the congregation met in the Odd Fellows Hall, the Baptist Church and the Congregational Church. They also met in an old school east of Darlington and in various homes.
When the congregation formed the church in 1909, the Rev. P.A. Schuh of Monroe took the train every Sunday to preach at the church.
The services were conducted in German.
In 1917, a new church was built at its present location, 339 E. Louisa St.
According to church history, the new church was built in a Western Gothic style. It was 75 feet long and 40 feet wide. The church tower was 80 feet tall. Families donated the church's stained glass windows.
The new church was dedicated on May 5, 1918.
In 1939, the Rev. Hugo Weichelt became the church's first full-time minister. The sermons were changed from German to English.
A fellowship hall and education wing was added to the church in 1974.
The church will celebrate its 100th anniversary at 1 p.m. Sunday, July 12.