MONTICELLO - At times when disaster strikes, a tough decision needs to be made; in 1965, when a local church was found burnt to the ground as the result of an intense thunderstorm, a small group of patrons defied fellow church members, and even their pastor, to rebuild their place of sanctuary.
Washington Reformation UCC will celebrate a landmark of 50 years since the church building was dedicated, rebuilt because of a fire that destroyed it just two years before.
Sunday will mark half-a-century since the dedication took place.
To celebrate the occasion, the group will gather for Sunday worship as scheduled at 9:15 a.m. However, a typical sermon and the sound of hymns being sung will not be the only events of the day. Instead, the group will hear Calvin Wasserstrass share stories about the past and gather for food after the commemorative ceremony.
Lifetime member Emily Wild has been compiling stories about the last 50 years to set up a display during the potluck following Sunday's service, complete with photos of decades past.
In October 1965, in the same location, lightning struck the bell of the church. Once ignited, the church was a "total loss," Wild said.
"There was a controversy over whether to rebuild," Wild said. "Some members were against it... but the congregation prevailed. They went door-to-door in the neighborhood."
As they started out, initial fundraising for the $50,000 building garnered about $17,000. Some items, such as an offering plate, candelabras within the building and other pieces are still in use today.
"It's kind of neat that even though it was wiped out, some of the history was preserved," Wild said.
Though the church dedicated in September 1967 was virtually the same size as the original, the building has grown to accommodate modern use. Wild said the last project was completed in 2004. The basement was extended to allow for more space to conduct Sunday school.
Largely a part of the surrounding community, congregation members, which total roughly 240 people, spend time participating in community service. Wild said people volunteer with the Green Cares Food Pantry of Monticello regularly. The church hosts as part of Green County Family Promise, a program dedicated to aiding families in need of housing.
Another pivotal piece of the church has been music. With what Wild described as an "active" choir, the church hosts an annual music festival on July 4. The performances are held on an addition built on to the side of the building and features local, popular bands.
During the celebration Sunday, the congregation will not only hear from Wasserstrass, but will have the chance to meet former church pastors, who will be present for the occasion. Washington Reformation Church was first established in Monticello in 1876.
Washington Reformation UCC will celebrate a landmark of 50 years since the church building was dedicated, rebuilt because of a fire that destroyed it just two years before.
Sunday will mark half-a-century since the dedication took place.
To celebrate the occasion, the group will gather for Sunday worship as scheduled at 9:15 a.m. However, a typical sermon and the sound of hymns being sung will not be the only events of the day. Instead, the group will hear Calvin Wasserstrass share stories about the past and gather for food after the commemorative ceremony.
Lifetime member Emily Wild has been compiling stories about the last 50 years to set up a display during the potluck following Sunday's service, complete with photos of decades past.
In October 1965, in the same location, lightning struck the bell of the church. Once ignited, the church was a "total loss," Wild said.
"There was a controversy over whether to rebuild," Wild said. "Some members were against it... but the congregation prevailed. They went door-to-door in the neighborhood."
As they started out, initial fundraising for the $50,000 building garnered about $17,000. Some items, such as an offering plate, candelabras within the building and other pieces are still in use today.
"It's kind of neat that even though it was wiped out, some of the history was preserved," Wild said.
Though the church dedicated in September 1967 was virtually the same size as the original, the building has grown to accommodate modern use. Wild said the last project was completed in 2004. The basement was extended to allow for more space to conduct Sunday school.
Largely a part of the surrounding community, congregation members, which total roughly 240 people, spend time participating in community service. Wild said people volunteer with the Green Cares Food Pantry of Monticello regularly. The church hosts as part of Green County Family Promise, a program dedicated to aiding families in need of housing.
Another pivotal piece of the church has been music. With what Wild described as an "active" choir, the church hosts an annual music festival on July 4. The performances are held on an addition built on to the side of the building and features local, popular bands.
During the celebration Sunday, the congregation will not only hear from Wasserstrass, but will have the chance to meet former church pastors, who will be present for the occasion. Washington Reformation Church was first established in Monticello in 1876.