On October 8th, St. John’s United Church of Christ celebrated the 100th anniversary of their sanctuary and church building. The church was constructed in 1922-23 at a cost of $90,000 and built mostly by church members. On October 7, 1923, the new church was blessed and dedicated during three different worship services (two in English, one in German) with a crowd reportedly of over 3,000 people in attendance. 

Among the many interesting facts about the building project uncovered in the archives is this: as construction began it was discovered that the site was on solid bedrock. Blasting had to be done in excavating the basement. Because the stone was of such high quality, all rock taken in the excavation was used in building the foundation of the new church rather than concrete. 

Architect for the project, Hugo C. Haeuser said, “It is seldom that a building is built entirely of the material that formed the church. This church is truly built on its own foundation.” The rock foundation is still standing strong to this day. 

The Apostle Paul knew a little something about building churches. While is work was a little more figurative as he formed new congregations, he used images of physical construction, even calling himself a ‘skilled master builder.’ But he knew there was only one thing that would ensure the church would stand the test of time; a solid foundation. 

Paul would write, “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one that has been laid; that foundation is Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 3:11)

So whether we are constructing a literal church building or working, forming our own church congregation, or building our own individual faith structures in our daily lives, there is only one place to begin; a solid foundation. Our faith in Jesus provides that foundation. No matter the difficulties, no matter the times of earth-shaking challenges and traumas life may throw at us, Christ our foundation is with us and provides us a constant presence, a solid support, and steadfast love. 

As hymnist Edward Mote wrote in the old hymn:

My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.

I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand;

All other ground is sinking sand.

Blessings be upon St. John’s UCC’s church building, may it continue to be a place of sanctuary and inspiration for all who gather there. And blessings to your own faith structures. May they always be built on the solid foundation of Jesus Christ. 

— Reflections appears regularly on the religion page. The column features a variety of local writers, coordinated through the Monroe Area Clergy Group. Todd Hackman is senior pastor at St. John’s United Church of Christ in Monroe.