In commemoration of its 140th anniversary, the United Parish of Alpena invites the community to a celebration this Sunday, June 23. A combined United Church of Christ and Methodist Church that serves the town of Alpena and surrounding communities invites all for a 10 a.m. worship service and roast beef dinner served in the church basement following the service.
The church’s rich history will be on display and church leaders invite Jerauld County-area residents to enjoy the celebration.
Church History
In 1884, the Dakota Missionary Society organized the Alpena Church and held the first meeting on June 21 in the railroad depot. In the fall of 1884, a schoolhouse was built and services were transferred there. During the summer of 1885 a church building, valued at $2,000, was built and dedicated on October 8. During the period of 1887-1889 a parsonage was erected.
Since 1898, there has been an active women’s organization. The parsonage was enlarged and remolded during the years from 1898 1902, and in 1906 about $900 was spent in repairing and reseating the church. From 1914-1917 the church was rebuilt at a cost of $4,656 and was dedicated free of debt on November 20, 1916.
On September 27, 1936, the church celebrated its 50th anniversary.
March 10, 1940 was a tragic day as the church and most of its contents were destroyed by a fire. Two buildings were purchased - one from Pukwana and one from Viola Township in southern Jerauld County. They were moved to Alpena and built together.
Since 1964, the United Methodist Church and the Bethlehem United Church of Christ have shared a pastor.
The Yoke Parish agreement in which both churches worshipped together, alternating between the UCC and Methodist Churches in four month intervals, began in 1979.
Services to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the church were held on September 9, 1984.
The first minister was Rev. O.E. Hutchins who served from June 21, 1884 until the fall of 1884. There were many pastors in the years from 1884 until 1964 when the church started sharing with Bethlehem United Church of Christ.
The United Parish of Alpena was organized on February 16, 1992. A new covenant was approved and worship services were to be held in the Methodist Church.
The UCC church building and its remaining contents were sold at auction in June, 1993.