United Church of Christ Congregational ChurchBlencoe, IowaUNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST. BLENCOE, Iowa—The United Church of Christ of Blencoe will celebrate its centennial with a special worship service Sunday. The service will begin at 11 a.m. with several former pastors taking part. A carry-in dinner will follow the service at 1 p.m. An informal program will begin at 2:30 p.m. at 3:30 p.m., a reception and tree planting ceremony will be conducted. The church was organized March 30, 1877, by early Blencoe settlers under the leadership of the Rev. Charles A. Lyman. On April 11, 1877, the first constitution and statement of faith was signed, and “The Congregational Church of Christ of Sherman Township” was formed. The first church building was constructed on ground purchased from the railroad. A few years later, a new site was chosen in the center of town, and a second church was built. After the resignation of the Rev. Mr. Lyman, no regular services were held for several years. In 1913, the present church was built, and the old building was used as a parsonage. Source: Sioux City Journal, Saturday, April 23, 1977 (Church photograph included)
U.C.C. of BLENCOE CENTENNIAL. The day began with a Memorial service at 11:00 a.m. that included three former ministers: Following the morning service, a well attended carry-in dinner with an abundance of food and visiting made a pleasant interlude. A delightful program started the afternoon festivities. Some of the highlights of the events of the past were given. The church was organized in 1877 under the guidance of the Reverend Charles A. Lyman assisted by a young man named William J. Niell. A school house was used to house and shelter the fledgling church. The congregation next bought a former temperance hall south of town. When this building burned to the ground during an electrical storm, a new building was built in the town of Blencoe. Two other buildings followed. Acquiring two buildings and constructing three churches while attending well to the duties of Christians within 40 years gave us all admiration for the endless energies and undauntless faith of the early members. Reverend Bessmer introduced the visiting ministers of previous years and Mrs. Victor Kaisor, of Illinois, widow of the Reverend Gerald Martin, a former pastor of our church. Members of fifty years or more were honored. Three of the six people were present. The five newest members were presented to the congregation. During the day there were four generations of several families attending. The program also included the singing of several old hymns by the congregation ending with the choir singing a selection from a modern “rock” gospel operetta. Reviewing the many historical items loaned to the church brought back many memories of the fellowship enjoyed during the years of the church. Outstanding was a “Signature” quilt made by the Ladies Aid sometime in the past. A reception and tea was served later in the afternoon. This, too, was well attended by members and friends. They all enjoyed the cake (baked and donated by Emma Adams) and coffee and just good visiting. The final event, a tree planting ceremony, was conducted by the Reverend William Bessmer. He gave a short program followed by the visiting ministers and representative of the offices and organizations of the church each putting in a shovelful of dirt around the tree which is south of the church. It is hoped that the tree, a gift of God’s creating hand, will spread its branches over many future generations of young people being taught about God’s love while the older members continue to enjoy the fellowship in their work and worship of God, their Creator. The planning committee wishes to thank all those who were instrumental in making the day a day to remember. May God Bless All of You. Source: The Onawa Democrat, April 28, 1977 |
~Transcribed copy & photo submitted by Linda Ziemann, 3/9/2021
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