Starting in the early 1800's, many German Immigrants were drawn to the lushness of the Fox River Valley. Deeply rooted in faith, these hearty souls carved out small farms, as well as an up-and-coming community they named Elgin. While these early settlers first turned their attention to a sawmill and then a high school, tiny congregations and churches were being formed as well.

It was not until the Fox River Railroad was established, however, that Elgin really begin to thrive. So, by the late 1850's, through the 1860's more and more families were moving into the area and the need for churches became increasing important.

So it was that on October 1, 1875, 23 determined men signed the initial constitution that formed the Evangelical St Paul’s German Society and on October 31^st their cornerstone was laid. The first pastor of St Paul’s, Rev. R. Katendahl (1875-1877), recorded the following about the church’s formation:

“On mid-July of 1875, with a few more members, a decision was made to erect a building. Without fear and with enthusiasm they proceeded with the work and on October 31, 1875, at 2 o’clock on a Sunday afternoon the cornerstone was laid.”

 Some descendants of these courageous families are still members and they honor us with their presence in our church life. Those who were in attendance were recognized at the Sunday services that kicked off the 125^th anniversary year in January 2001.

The new church was dedicated on July 23, 1876, and all services were conducted in the German language. Rev. Gustave Koch followed Rev. Katendahl and served St Paul’s from 1877 to 1882. Under Rev. Koch, the congregation grew by 39 percent and a parochial school was established. The parochial school continued under the leadership of Rev. C. Kurz (1882-1889) but it was then discontinued and replaced by a summer school.

One June 1, 1890, Rev. Wilhelm T. Jungk (1890-1893) became pastor and during his three years of service, the size of the congregation more than doubled. The women of St Paul’s Church also organized a new group in 1890 that was named The Frauen Verein. They worked diligently to build stronger Sunday school program and to organize numerous fundraisers for the church.

Rev. R. H. Witte briefly led our congregation from 1893-1894 but was forced to resign due to an illness. Dev. F.E.C. Haas (1894-1897) was chosen to take over and during his ministry, the congregation doubled again to 126 member. Then in 1897, Rev. Hans Jacoby (1897-1921) accepted the call as our minister.

By January 1905, it was necessary to raze the 32 year-old building to make room for our present church structure. The new church would be turned around to face Division Street rather than Center street. On August 13, 1905, the corner-stone of our current church was laid and fundraising projects were undertaken to pay for the new structure.

On March 15, 1906, the new church was dedicated with great rejoicing and celebration.

In 1921, Rev. Theodore F. Bierbaum (1921-1934) became pastor and the church enrollment was increased to 200 members. In 1925, the congregation celebrated its Golden Anniversary. The festivities kicked off with a special church service on November 1 and then continued with a special church service throughout the week with a young people’s gathering, a ladies social afternoon and an evening program for the men. The celebration culminated with a fellowship supper on Friday evening.

By this time, there were many organizations, such as the Women’s Auxiliary Circle(formerly the Frauen Verein), the Men’s League, the Male Choir, the Mixed Choir, the Sewing Circle and the Men’s Mutual Protective Society.

Rev. Bierbaum instituted worship services in English, while still keeping one service per month in German, and began the distribution of printed Sunday bulletins. A missionary society was organized in 1929, a Brotherhood organization in 1930 and a young people’s league in 1932.

When Rev. Bierbaum stepped down in 1934, Rev. William Rest (1934-1944) and his family came to St. Paul’s Church. With Elgin established as a vital agricultural and industrial hub, our congregation swelled to 850 members. Rev. Rest then assumed a leadership role in the community by serving many organizations.

In 1934, when the Evangelical Church merged with the Reformed Church, St Paul’s became known as the Evangelical and Reformed Church. Rev. Rest instituted the custom of greeters before the worship service, and the practice of the minister personally greeting the congregation after the service.

New hymnals were purchased, and the first church membership directory was printed. German services were discontinued, excet for Good Friday communion service. The Dorcas Society was organized and was very active in outreach.

In 1944, Rev. Clarence Hammen (1944-1950) and his family came to our church and the parsonage at 661 Park Street was purchased. Rev. Hammen was instrumental in forming the Challengers, which at that time was a group of young adults who helped in a variety of ways with both church and outreach programs.

In 1950, St. Paul’s celebrated its 75^th and the church sanctuary was redecorated for this special observance. Also, in 1950, Rev. Edwin J. Hoefer (1950-1968) and his family came to faithfully serve our congregation.

In 1954, the Evangelical and Reformed Church merged with the Congregational Church, so St. Paul’s became a United Church of Christ and on May 16 of that year a new Moeller organ was joyfully dedicated. During the 1950's, our church was experiencing tremendous growth.

Plans were made for a new parish house, which would include modern Sunday school rooms, a chapel, and offices for the church staff. Also, a new kitchen and remodeled basement rooms were finished.

By 1962, plans for renovating our church sanctuary, building an enclosed entrance, and purchasing a second parsonage were underway. A massive fund raising campaign began, so that all of these projects were completed in 1964. Land on Elgin’s West Side was also purchased for future expansion during that year, as was the parsonage at 1031 N. Spring Street.

In 1965, the Challengers presented the first living portrayal of DaVinci’s Last Supper as a Lenten Season observance. This moving and emotional drama soon became a community event and an especially meaningful part of the Lenten worship experience at St. Paul’s through the 1990's.

In 1968, Rev. Hoefer left St. Paul’s Church to become the president of the Northern Illinois Association of the United Church of Christ. We then welcomed Dr. Charles C. Austin (1968-1983) and his family to St. Paul’s Church (1968-1983). And his family to St. Paul’s. Our church had experienced steady growth throughout the years. In 1971 plans were made to refurbish the chapel and offices in the parish house.During the same year, we sold the West Side lot to the Evangelical Covenant Church. Money from the sale was used to pay for the refurbishing of the parish house, and the remainder was put into a savings account with the accrued interest to be used for benevolent projects.

By the time our 100^th Anniversary Celebration arrived in 1975, our church membership had reached 1,300. The yearlong Jubilee celebration included a kickoff dinner and memorabilia display, an Octoberfest celebration, a craft workshop, a mother-daughter banquet and a church picnic. Topping it all off was an unforgettable Anniversary Banquet, which was held at the Blue Moon Restaurant. The restaurant/banquet hall is long since gone, but our memories remain. Also in 1975, the first pictorial directory of our members was made and distributed to all families and a church library was established.

On July 31^st 1983, Dr. Austin retired from St Paul’s and became our first Pastor Emeritus. It was at this time we welcomed Rev. Robert Ruse(1983-1990) and his family to our congregation. In 1981, the parsonage at 661 Park Street was sold, and in 1994 our parsonage at 1031 North Spring Street was sold. We strengthened our relationship with the First Congregational Church in Elgin and in 1995 we reached out to Fox Valley Lutheran School to share our facilities.

In 1991, the Rev. Dr. Robert E. Kasper came to our congregation as an interim pastor. Our congregation was so blessed with this new association, that when Rev. Thomas O’Connor accepted our call, Dr. Kasper was asked to remain as our Minister of Visitation. Through the efforts of these two ministers, as well as Rev. David Plant, our Assistant Minister and a committee of dedicated members, a new constitution was written for our church.

This new constitution outlined the formation of eight ministries to help guide our congregation into a new role in our ever-changing world of service. They were organized into Calling and Caring Ministry, the Christian Education Ministry, the Evangelism Ministry, the Fellowship Ministry, the Mission Ministry, the Properties Ministry, the Stewardship Ministry and the Worship Ministry. This new organization was constructed to help adapt our congregation to our Statemsnt of Mission and Vision:

We the Members of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ reach out to

Accept, Affirm and Nurture all People in their ongoing Spiritual

Journey In the Name of Jesus Christ.

In 1998, the position of Parish Nurse was formed to care for the well being of members, as well as the community at large. Rev. O’Connor also instituted two new customs during the worship service; the extending of the hand of fellowship in greeting and sharing of joys and concerns for prayer. A “Celebration Service” of contemporary worship was initiated, through the efforts of Rev. O’Connor and the Worship Ministry, with the hope of it becoming a regular occurrence on the second Sunday of every month.

Now, during the year 2000, we have started to celebrate the 125^th Anniversary of St. Paul’s Church. Just as those 23 dedicated members signed the original document to rededicate them to Christ’s work. As we continue to celebrate this monumental anniversary, let us rededicate ourselves to the future.

This is but a thumbnail sketch of our vast history. However, we would never have enough space to tell all the stories of the many caring individuals who were inspired by God to give so much, so selflessly to so many people throughout this time. All of us now cherish our own special memories of these people ad when we were touched by their love. From the time we were first greeted by Mrs. Baker in the Nursery Room, to when a song by the Jubilate Choir touched a chord in our soul, to when we were blesses b y the tender caring of a minister...

“The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.” 1 Timothy 5:17

As we embark upon our future, let us be guided by those who came before us and the unconditional love of Jesus Christ that has remained with us down through the ages. With God as our Father, let us pledge to continue to seve our church family now and forever.

“Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Jesus Chris is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

Hebres 13:7-8

This thumbnail sketch of our first 125 year history was taken from the 125 Year Pictorial Directory.