Our Church History

Historical Review of the United Church of Christ of California 1866 – 2025

 1865 – Rev. Roeder and Rev. Feil of Salem church and Rev. Van Tobel of the German Evangelical Church at the Moniteau took initial steps toward the organization of the German Evangelical Church for the German citizens of the California community.

1866 – On May 6, an organizational meeting was held downtown, and the decision was made to organize and erect a building.  On May 27,  the first regular and official meeting was held. A building and constitution/bylaws committees were established.  On July 1, members voted to lay a foundation for a building of 30 x 50 feet.  (see photo above left) On July 8, services began.   Rev. F.A. Umbeck preached his first sermon to the German Evangelical Congregation in the old Baptist church.  Rev. Umbeck was the pastor of the North Morro (Salem) Church.  On July 29, the cornerstone for the new church was laid.

1867 – On January 7, the new church was dedicated. The cost of the building was $3582. Twenty-two German citizens signed the constitution and bylaws.

1889 – The adjoining lots and residence were bought, and the house was enlarged and improved. Rev. F.A. Umbeck was called as a full-time pastor.

1891 – The 25^th anniversary of the German Evangelical Congregation in California was celebrated.

1894 – The congregation authorized Rev. F.A. Umbeck to collect funds for a new church building. Mr. Opel of Jefferson City submitted a design.

1895 – On June 9, Rev. F.A. Umbeck delivered the last sermon in the old church.  On December 15, the new church building was dedicated. The construction time was 5 months and 1 week.

1896 – The clock (Seth Thomas) was installed in the tower at a cost of $380.  The city of California donated $75. The rest was contributed by members of the church and community.

1900 – A new pipe organ was dedicated. The cost was $1200.

1902 – On February 12, the church cemetery was consecrated.

1903 – A new parsonage for the pastor was built.  The photo shows it in the 1941 Anniversary Booklet.

1913 – On June 8, the 50^th anniversary of the ordination of Rev. F.A. Umbeck was celebrated.  He had served the California congregation for 47 years. Rev. Umbeck died on September 4.

1914 – On March 8, Rev. F.P. Umbeck entered duties as the church’s second pastor.
1916 – The 50^th anniversary of the church was celebrated. Gradual changes began allowing for some services in English. The 7:30 p.m. service of the celebration was in English.

1920 – Minutes of the congregational meetings were written in both German and English.

1921 – There were 25 German services and 60 English services.

1922 – The pastor of the California church started assuming the duties as pastor for the Salem church.

1924 – Dec. 15, Rev. F.P. Umbeck resigned as pastor of the Nazareth Evangelical Church of Chicago.  German services were limited to one per month at this time.

1925 – On March 22, Rev. J.C. Bierbaum of Lexington, MO, assumed duties as the pastor of the California and Salem congregations.

1926 – An “honor system” of giving was introduced.

1930/31 – The church building was completely renovated. The size was increased by 1/3. The cost was $22,000.00.

1933 – German services were held on special holidays only.

1935 – Conforming to decisions made by the synods of both the Evangelical and the Reformed churches, the name of the church is changed to the Evangelical and Reformed Church of California, Mo.

1941 – The church celebrated its 75^th anniversary. Sunday school membership had grown from 172 to 385 in the 25 years since the 50^th anniversary.  Church sons and daughters engaged in Christian service identified at this time were:  Rev. Ralph Weisser, Rev. Richard M.A. Gadow, Miss Elizabeth Kunze, Deaconess, Miss Ida Bieri, Deaconess.  Edwin Gross died at age 20 while a student at Elmhurst College

1942 – German services were discontinued.

1943 –  Rev. Bierbaum resigned in December.

1944 –  Rev. Paul C. Shoppe of Granite City, Illinois, became the 4^th pastor.

1949 – The sanctuary was redecorated at a cost of $4,300.

1950 – Rev. Shoppe resigned and accepted a call to a church in St. Louis County.

1951 –  In January, Rev. E.L. Koch assumed the duties as pastor of the California and Salem churches.

1953 – The chancel was redesigned and remodeled. As part of the project, a new organ was purchased, and the pipes were enclosed. The Bryant property west of the church was purchased for use as a parking lot.

1956 – The church had four sons preparing for ministry – Robert Koch, Stanley Norvell Geiger, Don Sabbert, and Jesse Pollmann.

1957 – Acknowledging the merger of the synods of the Evangelical and Reformed Church and the Congregational Christian Church, the California church becomes known as the California United Church of Christ.

1961 – A new bell was installed in the tower, donated by the family of Mrs. Chris Haldiman. The old Church bell was cracked and could not be repaired.

1962 –The church cornerstone was replaced with one of Carthage Marble.  A planning committee was appointed to plan an Educational Building addition. Plans were submitted and approved in September.

1963 – On Feb. 24, Rev. E.L. Koch resigned to accept a pastorate in Lexington, Mo. Rev. Marvin J. Kirchhoff of Evansville, IN, accepted a call in August to be the 6^th pastor of the church. He was installed in February 1964. Rev. William Sabbert served as the interim between Rev. Koch and Rev. Kirchhoff.

1964 – Dedication and open house for the new educational building, which cost $57,016.

1965 – The congregation purchased 3 acres of land from the H.G. Rentsch family for expansion of the cemetery.

1966 – The 100^th Anniversary celebration of the California United Church of Christ coincided with the 100^th anniversary of the Moniteau County Fair.

1967 –The church basement was remodeled. The kitchen was moved to the west end.

1970 – The Sanctuary was redecorated. New pews were installed.

1972 – The parking lot was paved with blacktop.

1973 – The Play School was started for 4-year-olds.

1974 – A 3-pocket envelope system was adopted.

1976 – The church was air-conditioned as a result of a gift from Mrs. Frank Gerbes in memory of Mr. Gerbes. A new signboard was installed in front of the church.

1978 – Paul Zachow was hired as Christian Education Director.

1981 – An elevator, which cost $8,000, was installed at the west entrance.

1982 – The Wilson property south of the church was purchased. The tape ministry was established.

1991 – The 125^th anniversary of the church was celebrated. Rev. Jesse Pollman was the guest minister.

1992 – Rev. M.J. Kirchhoff resigned in March. Rev. Dr. Don Burkhalter and Rev. Paul Lehmann served as interim pastors.

1993 –On November 7, Rev. Gary Schulte assumed duties as pastor of the church.

1995 – The 100^th anniversary of the church building was celebrated.

1997 – Dick Spieler was elected as moderator of the Missouri Conference.

1998 – In May, Peter Becker was called to be the first Associate Pastor of the church.
In August, members voted to remodel the sanctuary and make upgrades to the upstairs restrooms, west entrance foyer, parlor, and install a new elevator.

1999 – In July, Peter Becker resigned to return to Germany.

2001 – The 135^th anniversary of the church was celebrated. Edith Guffey,  Association General Minister of UCC, was the guest speaker.

In December, Rev. Judith Rinehart Nelson began a brief term as Supply Associate Pastor.

2002 – On July 7, the congregation voted to proceed with planning for a major building expansion.  In August, a building committee and a finance committee were appointed. The Septagon company was secured as the builder for the project.

On August 8, Rev. Collette R. Jones accepted the call to be Associate Pastor of the church.  She was installed on November 17.

2003 – In March, the congregation gave final approval to the building  expansion and renovation project

2004 – On January 18, the church dedicated its new building. Rev. Robert Koch was the guest speaker for the day. The completed building is connected to and joins the main church and the educational building.  The project included Friendship Hall, a new kitchen facility, a number of Sunday School rooms, a library, a meeting room, and several storage areas.  It also included a complete renovation of the educational building,  providing for new church offices, restroom facilities, and a remodeled foyer. The approximate cost was $1,000,000.

2006 – In April, Rev. Gary Schulte resigned as pastor to accept the position of Conference Minister of the New Hampshire United Church of Christ.

The church celebrated its 140^th anniversary.

2007 – Rev. Dr. C. Dwayne Dollgener served as interim pastor during the latter months of 2006 until December 2007, when Rev. Jeffery Hammonds was called as Sr. Pastor.

2008 – Rev. Hammonds was installed on March 2 as the church’s 8^th pastor.

On April 27, Salem United Church of Christ celebrated its 160^th anniversary.

2010 – New hymnals, “Hymns for a Pilgrim People,” were purchased by the Memorial Fund, individuals, and a gift from the family of Mrs. Ethel Seyfert. These hymnals replaced those (The Hymnal) that had been used since 1939.

Rev. Jeffery Hammonds announced his retirement.

Rev. Collette R. Jones served as interim pastor.

2011 – Moniteau County Ministries Center (MCMC) broke ground for a new building for use by the former Project Share and Mid-Mo Food Bank.
Choir Folders were purchased from Memorial Funds given in memory of Katherine Ratcliff.

2012 – On June 24, a Farewell Service for Rev. Collette Jones with Rev. Dale  Parson,  Associate Conference Minister, serving as worship leader.  A dinner followed.

Rev. Howard Ellis, Retired Lutheran Minister, served as our interim minister through March 2013.
New choir robes were purchased for the Senior Choir by Memorial Funds donated to the church.  Youth Choir robes were purchased with funds donated from the Hert  Family in memory of E. L. Hert.

2013 –On Feb. 9, a meet and greet for Rev. Dr. Andrew L. Lovins and his family was held in the Fellowship Hall, followed by a dinner.  On April l, Rev. Dr. Andrew L. Lovins assumed his pastoral duties.  He is the 9th pastor of our church.

On September 15th, the congregation approved a bid from Mid- Mid-Continental Restoration Co. to repair the chimney on the west side of the building and do brick repair and tuckpointing where needed.

2014 – Photos for the Pictorial Directory were taken.  They were distributed later that year.
A new Advent wreath and stand were donated to our church in memory of Shirley Ball with funds from her memorial.

2015 – An updated webpage was launched in March to give our congregation a more informative presence on the internet for members and visitors.
Courtney Hees was hired as Youth Director.

2016 – The United Church of Christ in California is celebrating 150 years of proclaiming and serving our Lord.

2017 – On February 26, a Farewell Service for Rev. Andrew Lovins with Rev. Dale  Parson,  Associate Conference Minister, leading the Ending of an Authorized Ministry ceremony.  A dinner followed.
Pastor Eugene and Gladys Moll assumed the duties of senior pastor in the interim.

2018 – Replaced incandescent lights w/LED bulbs in the Sanctuary and Church buildings.
Pastor Russell Cobb assumed the duties of Senior Pastor of the church on November 7, 2018.

2020 – During the COVID-19 pandemic, only online church services were provided for 11 weeks, March 22 through May 31. The Sunday Sanctuary services were cancelled during that time.

2022 – Renee Clifford resigned as church secretary, and Rhonda Elliott was hired as her replacement.
Several improvements were completed: HVAC, Boiler, and Window Protection for Stained Glass.

2023 – A number of maintenance projects were planned and completed, including the replacement of Plexiglas with high-strength glass covering the south and east stained glass windows in the Sanctuary.

2024 – In June, video cameras were installed in the gym and the church exterior. The key “fob” building access was implemented.

2025 – The Stained glass windows in the Sanctuary were stabilized.
Pastor Russell Cobb resigned effective December 1, 2025.