Church Expansion continues to reflect growth

Steadily the church became more modernized. In 1907, a telephone was installed in the building, and in 1916; an electric motor replaced the water motor that had supplied power since the days when boys had pumped the organ. In the summer of 1929, the outside of the foundation walls was waterproofed to ensure more sanitary conditions.

            Since the time of the church’s centennial, many changes have updated the 1906 edifice. Sometime around 1933 a new Sunday school room, and stairway connecting the choir room and the auditorium with the basement, were built in space formerly occupied by a basement workshop.

            Landscaping of the church grounds was voted to be done by S.S. Evans in December 1937 and in 1950, a lighted bulletin board was installed on the church lawn. Once again, the pipe organ was improved upon, being completely rebuilt in 1953. The Hampshire colonists had come a long way since the first melodeon.

            The newly completed Fellowship Hall-Education Unit, built as an addition to the west end of the church building, was dedicated April 7, 1967. Several years later. In 1969, the church parking lot was blacktopped.

            In January of 1972, the renovation of the sanctuary began. New pews were installed at that time and a new altar, pulpit, and baptismal font were part of the renovation as well.

            Several church buildings have been built and renovated since the first service of the Hampshire Colonists was held in the unfinished log cabin of Elijah Smith. From a frame building to brick, to English Gothic, the styles have changed throughout the years.

            However, one aspect of the church remains unchanged. The principles of the New Englanders who organized the church have always been and will continue to be, the indestructible foundation on which every house of worship is built.

article from Bureau County Republican 11/20/1980