Peace United Church of Christ in Gladbrook pictured in 2006. The church is set to celebrate 135 years as a congregation later this month. PHOTO COURTESY OF JEANNE PAUSTIAN

On October 23, at 10:30 a.m., Peace United Church of Christ, Gladbrook, will celebrate its 135th anniversary. A special service recognizing former pastors, organists, teachers, and choir members will be held. A mass choir of present and former members will sing “As We Come to Gather.” There will be a skit from Jim Bob and Thelma Sue entitled “Don’t That Jest Beat All.” They will also be singing “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” Organist June Bessman and her sister, Peg Rinderknecht, will be doing a piano/organ duet. The children will enjoy a special “Kids Konnect.” The highlight of the service will be a video covering the past 135 years. A dinner will follow the service. The public is invited to attend both events.

History of the Peace UCC

The congregation has a unique history as it was first organized as “Evangelical Lutheran.” It began in 1887 when a group of German families requested that the Rev. Scheidemann of Hubbard come to Gladbrook to organize the congregation and become their first minister. The families had been meeting once a month in Mann’s Hall. On January 2, 1888, a resolution was passed to build a little white church at a cost of $1500. The cornerstone was laid in August of 1889 at the very site where the present church stands. This is unusual for a church to have grown in structural and congregational size and yet remain in one location.

In the 1930’s the little white church was replaced by a larger, prettier, and modern brick church with room enough to house our people, and carry on our work in the church and Sunday School.

When Rev. Barten was our minister in 1947, the congregation took in 105 new members by transfer or profession of faith. Being the largest class ever to join the church at one time, this really made history for our church and Pastor.

Rev. L. R. Poeschel joined our congregation in 1951 and we became known as the Evangelical and Reformed Church. A 40X50 educational wing was added to the church.

In 1962 another name change took place. Our denomination merged with the Congregational Christian churches and the church became Peace United Church of Christ.

In 1971, under the leadership of Rev. Robert Marquardt, a major building project was begun. The sanctuary was enlarged, with the altar changed from the east end to the north end. A new entryway was added with the steep outside steps being eliminated. Members held services in the Evangelical United Brethern Church.

Rev. Robert Doner and family moved into our new parsonage in the fall of 1999. Rev. Doner brought new life to the congregation as he introduced puppet ministry and wonderful plays that he wrote and adapted. Who can forget his adaptation of “The Wizard of Oz” with Dorothy, Tin Man, Lion, and all the other fun characters? The children’s sermons with the puppets became a delight to the children and congregants gathered. The Bell Choir became a reality and a men’s chorus was a pleasing addition. The congregation enjoyed both the Sacred Dancers and the flute choir.

On February 8, 2004, a vote was taken to begin a major building project. The project added a second floor above the current office complex on the northwest side of the church. An elevator was installed. The additional room on the 2nd floor provided a handicap-accessible bathroom, a church nursery, and a large music room off the choir loft. On the first floor new handicap-accessible bathrooms for both men and women were built. In September of 2006 the newest addition was dedicated.

The last remodeling project of the 135-year history of the church was completed in 2012. The kitchen was completely gutted and was modernized with gorgeous new cupboards, appliances, and a permanent serving counter in the social hall.

October 1, 2017, was Pastor Robert Doner’s last worship service. He was retiring after 18 years of dedicated service to Peace UCC. He was the longest-tenured minister to serve the church.

Over the years many many gallons of ice cream have been cranked, beautiful floats created for the Corn Carnival parades, and hundreds of volunteer hours spent in the food stand, ham and chicken suppers, Memorial and Veteran services, many plays that proved to be a wonderful fellowship for all ages, miles and miles walked for Crop Walk, many hands helping others on mission trips, hosting Bible School, caroling to our seniors, Easter egg hunts, hanging of the green services, Festival of Trees and Tree Lighting, Trunk or Treat, Prayer Shawl Ministry, Kids Club, and hosting Kids Shopping Day.

Peace Church continues to serve God and reach out to others. Those first German families who had the foresight to begin the church 135 years ago would be pleased to see the fruits of their vision and faith.