About

1871–1913 | A Church Is Established

In the later part of 1869, residents of the Millcreek Valley and Carthage began discussing a church where their families could worship in the German language. By January 1871 regular meetings were being held, officers were elected, and the first worship service took place on February 5, 1871 in the old Methodist Church at 71st Street and Paddock Road.

William Sprung donated the lot at 75th Street and Lockland Road, now Anthony Wayne Avenue, for the erection of a church. A contract to build was signed in April 1871, the cornerstone was laid that June, and the church was dedicated on November 5, 1871. Rev. William Dieckmann was installed as the first regular minister.

The congregation organized a Ladies’ Aid, Sunday School, and a parsonage project in the years that followed. A steeple was contracted in 1874, the first organ was purchased in 1886, a Sunday School room was added in 1899, and a new pipe organ followed in 1913.

1921–1939 | Growth, Fire, and a New Parish House

The congregation celebrated its fiftieth anniversary in 1921. A new parsonage was dedicated in 1923, and Rev. Rudolf E. Gruenke was called to serve in 1928. By 1931 the church was known as Carthage Evangelical Church.

During the 1930s, plans were made for a modern educational and social building. In 1935 the steeple and sanctuary roof were struck by lightning and badly damaged. The congregation continued forward with a major building program, including a new parish house and remodeled church.

The first service in the Parish Hall was held on November 27, 1938. The remodeled sanctuary hosted a midnight service on Christmas Eve 1938, and dedication services were held from January 29 through February 5, 1939.

1956–1990 | Continued Ministry and Rebuilding

The church continued marking important anniversaries and maintaining the property through the decades. A new pipe organ was dedicated on February 24, 1980.

On August 5, 1989, lightning struck again and the church caught fire. Worship continued the next day in the auditorium using temporary power. Repairs included work to the roof and stained glass. The first service in the rebuilt church was held on Palm Sunday, April 8, 1990, followed by a formal dedication on September 9, 1990.

1995–1997 | A New Chapter

In 1995 an Options Committee was formed to consider the congregation’s future. In March 1996 the congregation voted to sell the church property and pursue a merger. By the end of that year, a merger with St. John-St. Matthew United Church of Christ had been approved.

On January 2, 1997, a contract to purchase the Carthage building was submitted by New Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church. After negotiations, a land contract was entered into on March 25, 1997, beginning a new chapter of Christian ministry in this historic church home.