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Our Church :
History
The History of New Hope United Church of Christ
The history of New Hope UCC starts with the formation and life of two
separate congregations, Friedens UCC and Peace UCC. As you read you will
see how these two congregations developed, split, and then with God’s
grace reunited to form New Hope UCC.
Frieden's UCC
Frieden’s UCC church began on March 20, 1852 when a group of German
settlers from the Town of Jackson and Polk, Washington County met in a
schoolhouse to lay the foundation for the organization of a church.
This group was named the Evangelical Protestant United Congregation, and
was the beginning of Frieden’s Evangelical Church, located at the
intersection of Cedar Creek Road and the present day county highway P.
A log church was built in 1852, and in 1876, two acres of land and a
house were purchased west of the church. The house was rebuilt to make
it suitable for a parsonage. Gottlieb Hammel and his wife donated the
grounds for the church and cemetery. In 1878, the present brick church
was erected. In 1921, the present parsonage was built. The church was
remodeled in 1927 and 1952.
In 1934, a merger of congregations changed the name to Frieden’s
Evangelical and Reformed Church. Then in 1957, the Congregational church
merged with the “E & R” church to form Frieden’s United Church of
Christ.
Peace Reformed Church
Because of a disagreement over doctrine between some of the members
of Frieden’s Church, thirteen members left the church in 1908, and
formed a new congregation. On June 28th, 1912, a religious society of
the Reformed Church of the United States was established naming
themselves, Peace Reformed Church. At the beginning, devotional services
were held in homes of the members. On land donated by Henry Barenz, a
frame church was built at the present day intersection of Hwy 60 and
county highway P.
On June 10, 1922 the frame, church was struck by lightning and burned
to the ground. All that was saved was the Bible, the bells, and the
parsonage, which suffered much water damage. Within months, a new
church was begun. During this period, the church services and Sunday
school were held above Hoge & Gumm’s general store in downtown Jackson.
By October of 1922, the new red brick church was built. Stained glass
leaded windows were donated or were given in memorials.
In 1934, the church merged with the Evangelical church to be called
Peace Evangelical and Reformed Church. In 1951, the congregation was
received into the South Wisconsin Synod of the Evangelical and Reformed
Church. By this time, the congregation had grown to 130 members. Another
merger took place with the Congregational Church in 1957, forming the
United Church of Christ.
In 1956, extensive remodeling was undertaken. The sanctuary was
enlarged, a study was built, and other changes were made in the entry
and basement.
Frieden's-Peace UCC
In 1967, after much prayerful discussion and thought of Christian
unity, the members of Frieden’s UCC and Peace UCC merged into one
congregation. It became known as Frieden’s-Peace UCC. This congregation
also became part of the Jackson-Slinger Charge. This meant that it
shared pastors with St. Peter’s UCC, Jackson, and Faith UCC, Slinger.
Rev. John Heinbuch, with assistance from Rev. Ralph Schultz, Sr.,
conducted three services every Sunday rotating times and buildings
between Frieden’s Church, Peace Church, Faith Church and St. Peter’s
Church.
In 1978, Faith UCC, Slinger decided to minister on their own.
Frieden’s-Peace UCC and St. Peter’s UCC remained together, hiring their
own minister – Rev. James Hill. Services continued to rotate between
buildings and worship time fluctuated. For 23 years Frieden’s-Peace UCC
and St. Peter’s UCC ministered to the Jackson and Richfield communities.
The location and time changes began to hinder attendance and growth.
Again, after much prayerful discussion and thought of Christian unity
Frieden’s-Peace UCC decided to build a new church. It was very difficult
to give up the beloved buildings of Frieden’s and Peace. Much time,
talent, and treasure had gone into maintaining these houses of God. Time
had taken its toll though on the buildings with much renovation needed
in both buildings. In addition, the decision was hard as to which
building to keep and which to give up. Therefore, it was decided that
both buildings be sold and a new location and structure be sought. Some
members of the congregation left the fold as others endeavored to move
on to a new place of worship for Frieden’s-Peace UCC congregation. St.
Peter’s UCC congregation was asked to join Frieden’s-Peace UCC in this
process, but they declined, deciding to go on their own.
New Hope UCC
During the late 1980’s, plans were made to build a new church with a
new name, New Hope UCC. Twenty acres of land was purchased from members
Clarence and Bernice Faber. Peace UCC, building and parsonage were sold
to West Bend Savings Bank, who razed the buildings to develop Old Church
Square, a business district. Frieden’s UCC building was sold to a
private party to use as a home and workshop. Frieden’s parsonage still
houses the minister and his family. The last service held at Peace
UCC was on April 23, 1989. Frieden’s UCC last service was held June 2,
1991.
Construction on the new building began in 1990. The architects were
Van Dalen & Peeples and the builder was Doede Construction. While
construction was in progress, church members attended services at the
Jackson Fire Department Community Room.
Services began in the church on December 15th, 1991. It was dedicated
in May 1992. Over the past 11 years, the congregation has grown to a
confirmed membership of 334 in 2002.
The congregation continues to grow with God’s grace and offers “new
hope” to all those who enter. Reverend James Hill has been the
pastor since 1978.
Resources: Washington County Historical Society and members of New
Hope UCC
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