1912 Ebenezer Reformed Church was formed on July
21st. The first meeting took place in an
abandoned butcher shop on Calumet Plank Road.
1914 The first worship took place in the new chapel at
16th Street and Heller Avenue, at Christmas.
1920 A second service in English, “the language of the
young people” was introduced.
1922 All church debt was paid and a new building fund
established.
1926 A large sanctuary was built alongside the original
church; steady growth in the congregation, “no
doubt due greatly to a better equipped building
to meet the needs of the community and public.”
(Rev. Opperman)
1927 The Moeller pipe organ was purchased by the
Ladies’ Aid.
1949 The first meeting of the ECJ Circle took place on
October 3rd.
1953 Ebenezer initiated Faith Church as a mission in the
Erdman area.
1956 The house next to the church was purchased for a
Parish House, to be used for Sunday School
classrooms.
1958 Mary Martha Circle was organized by Joan
Grosshuesch. |
1959 The every member visitation life enlistment
stewardship program began, prompted by Rev.
Grosshuesch.
1961 Mortgage burning took place for the Parish House
debt after only 5 years.
1962 At Ebenezer’s 50th anniversary, Rev. Grosshuesch
noted the church’s characteristic friendliness
toward visitors, bringing “steady and substantial
growth.”; it is “contagious to new members.”
1970 The present church building was constructed on
nine acres of farm field that is now Taylor Drive
and Saemann Avenue.
1979 Our mortgage was paid off two and one-half years
ahead of schedule.
1986 Rev. Ruben Grosshuesch retired after 29 years
as pastor.
2000 Rev. Roger Mealiff accepted call to become pastor.
2004 Beginning on a half-time basis, Rev. Lorri Steward
became the first Associate Pastor.
2008 On December 14, 2008, our congregation voted to
conduct the Second Century Campaign.
“Ordinary People Building An Extraordinary Future.” |
