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A Pastoral History
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F. C. Bauman In 1852, a Sabbath School was organized. In the Spring of 1853, a student pastor, F. C.
Bauman, was commissioned to supply during the summer. Arriving April 1st, he preached in a
log school house, 1/4 of a mile north of Zwingle, which was later moved to what is called
the Marshall school. Mr. Bauman was elected and given a call as minister of the congregation
when he completed his studies. He was ordained June 28, 1854, returned to the scene of his
life's ministry. June 22, 1854, he began to serve this congregation and continued until
September, 1909. For a list of weddings Pastor Bauman solemnized click
here.
During the early years of Rev. Bauman's ministry, it was necessary to select a plot of ground
for the location of a church building, as well as a cemetery. For this purpose, Mr. Daniel
Cort donated a plot of 3 acres, the beautiful spot upon which the church now stands. The
work of building began in 1855 and the church was dedicated May 11, 1856.
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From September, 1909, until November, 1910, the congregation was without the services of a resident pastor. On November 23, 1910, a call was extended to Rev. J. E. Boomershine; upon acceptance of this call, Rev. Boomershine was installed as resident pastor on January 6, 1911, During his ministry, the east wing of the church was built for Sunday School purposes; in addition the bell tower was moved, the pulpit arrangement changed and the basement equipped for social functions. It appears that the first parsonage was also bought at this time. From the church records it is evident that Rev. Boomershine worked hard and accomplished much during his brief ministry of less than three years at Zwingle. Rev. Boomershine's ministry at Zwingle closed in the year July 31, 1913, |
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Rev. Joseph Newgard took over the work of the Zwingle congregation on July 1, 1914, being installed in August 18th of that year. Under he leadership of Rev. Newgard, the congregation was increased in membership and the work of the church prospered in many ways, The 70th anniversary was observed on December 11 to 18, 1921, with Drs. C, E. Schaeffer, T, P, Bolinger, and J, C, Horning as the speakers. At that time a membership of 216 was reported. During this time the financial conditions of the congregation were excellent. Especially noteworthy was the emphasis upon and realization of systenatic payments towards benevolences, or the apportionment, The church was influential also in community activities. During the last years of Rev. Newgard's ministry, the membership of the church declined somewhat due largely to the fact that many rural folk moved to the larger cities in the state. In 1926, the last year of Rev. Newgard's ministry, the average communion attendance was 100. Twenty-five marriage ceremonies were performed by Rev. Newgard. |
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A call was extended to Rev, Edward Mohr, who began his ministry on Dec. 15, 1927, Rev. Mohr was ordained and installed on Jan. 29, 1928, It was under the ministry of Rev. Mohr that the present parsonage was bought, On March 23, 1930, it was favorably voted by the congregation to buy the McDermott property for a parsonage for $4,300 and to authorize the consistory to sell the old parsonage. Considerable achievement was made also in the spiritual life of the congregation. The records show that 110 communicant members attended the Lord's table at Easter in 1929, This record was not again attained until ten years later under the pastorate of Rev, Calvin Franz, Rev. Mohr terminated his ministry in Zwingle on August 16, 1931. |
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The ministry of Rev, M, C, Witmer began July 1, 1932 and was continued to the month of May, 1937, During Rev. Witmer's pastorate the memorial windows were placed into the sanctuary and the interior was redecorated, with lighted cross and the building of the arch in the front of the church. We notice also from the minutes of this time that Mr, E, E, Alspach resigned as chorister, due to failing health, after having served in that capacity for 29 years, Nineteen baptisms were held during Rev. Witmer's ministry; seventeen funerals were conducted; the work of the church with young, people was emphasized and efforts were made to stimulate the interest of the youth of the church, |
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Rev. Franz ministry included the 90th Anniversary. Young people's work was continued under the ministry of Rev. Calvin Franz which began in June, 1937, In addition to the work of the young people, benevolences were unceasingly emphasized, the cemetery and church property was improved, and the membership roll was re-written and a new constitution adopted.Outstanding perhaps is the improvement in the financial support, in that members have been induced to bring their pledges and their contributions.In the year 1941, the 90th anniversary of Harmony Church was observed, Rev. Franz capably edited the 90th anniversary booklet which described in detail the early history of the church. During the course of those ninety years, Harmony Church had been fortunate in having long pastorates, always a blessing to a Christian congregation, During these years only six pastors shepherded the congregation, Iowa Classis also met many times at the church during these years, Rev. C. Franz ended his ministry on December 30, 1941, in order to accept the pastorate at Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. |
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An interim of several months occurred during which time the congregation was served by faculty members and students from the University of Dubuque. In fact, Harmony Church has established many fine contacts at the University of Dubuque, and the services which were given by the faculty members and students have served to enhance the spiritual life of the church and of the community, Rev. K, Stratemeier, Rev. Kilper, and Rev. Schnucker from the University of Dubuque were called upon often by student, Harold Gilleney, to serve at baptisms and communion services. Harold Gilleney served as student pastor from the years 1942 to 1945. Rev. C, E. Holyoke and Rev. Green assisted Mr. Gilleney on a number of occasions, and established many friendly relationships among the membership of the congregation, Rev, Gilleney's resignation was accepted on June 1, 1945. |
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Rev. A. Helmbold, a student at the Dubuque Seminary, began his work at Harmony Church during the summer of 1945, and his work continued until 1947. Efforts were made to encourage members to continue their financial pledges to the church; concern was also given to the men of the church serving in the armed forces. Copies of the devotional book "The Upper Room" were sent to the men in the service. Offerings received during the Lenten season in 1947 were allocated for purposes of War Relief. Upon the resignation of Rev. Helmbold in May, 1947, efforts were made to have regular services with students and supply pastors. The consistory of the church extended a call to Rev. Birkner, Garber, Iowa, in November of 1947. This call was accepted. |
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Rev, S. E. Birkner and family arrived in Zwingle, Iowa, the first of January, 1948. The denominational emphasis was again brought to the fore, and an attempt was made to strengthen the work of the organizations of the church. The Men's Brotherhood held several meetings during the course of the year and an effort was made to strengthen this arm of the church. Repairs and improvements both at the church and parsonage were accomplished. Monies were received for the purchase and installation of the new oil furnace in the church. The members of the congregation rejoiced over the gift of a beautiful new altar given as a memorial to Dr. Ahlers and Rev. and Mrs. Bauman. The new altar added beauty to the chancel and to the sanctuary of the church. An important contribution to the financial status of the church and cemetery was made in the establishment of a $1000 trust fund by Mrs. Joe Goldthorp, Chicago, Ill. The monies of this trust fund will serve the church and her activities for many years. The art glass window as a memorial to the Kemerer family was also installed and dedicated during the ministry of Rev. Birkner. Emphasis was given to the need of monies for World Service, and Lenten offerings were again allocated for this purpose, A "God's Acre" program and sale developed during this time. The feeling prevailed that gifts from the farms and gardens could be dedicated to the work of the church; the first God's Acre sales were successful financially, and a spirit of good cooperation on the part of church members was displayed. Rev. Birkner's work at Zwingle continued until August 1, 1949, when he and his family accepted a new position at Perham, Minnesota. |
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The Rev. H. Kehle, came to Zwingle in the fall of the year 1949. It was the privilege of the pastor to take a course of study at the University of Dubuque during the fall of 1949 and spring of 1950; at the same time the activites of the church and organizations were continued. During the year 1950 several important services of dedication were held. An altar set, comprised of Cross and two candle holders, was presented in memory of Rev. and Mrs. Bauman by their daughters. Memorial art glass windows were also placed in the sanctuary in memory of Rev, and Mrs. Bauman. Mrs. Joe Goldthorp, Chicago, Ill., was responsible in large part for the purchase and installation of these memorial windows; a memorial window was presented by Mr, and Mrs. Sam Deahl in honor of their parents, Mr, and Mrs, Uriah Deahl; it was the good fortune of the congregation to be able to purchase and present a new Hamnond Electric Organ as a memorial of Mr. Wm. Chesterman, a son of he local congregation who gave his life in the service of his country in World War II, An effort is beng extended to promote the work of the Women's Guild by organizng the work ofthe ladies around the departments of the national organization. During the year 1950 extensive repair and remodeling was accomplished in the basement of the church, Monthly Family night gatherings have enjoyed the newly completed social room of the basement, as well as the more modern equipnent of the kitchen. Rev. Kehle terninated his pastorate at Harmony Church June 29, 1960 to accept a call to Rice Lake, Wisconsin. |
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Rev, Arno Neuhaus accepted a call to serve the church September 1, 1960 and discontinued his pastorate July 31, 1961. |
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Jack Nash began his student pastorate August 1, 1961. On July 5, 1964 at a joint ordination by the Presbytery of Northeast Iowa and the Eastern Association of the United Church of Christ, he became an ordained minister at Harmony Church. This was the first joint installation by the two churches. Rev. Nash continued here until August 1, 1965. During his pastorate we observed our 110th anniversary on Sunday, August 27, 1961 with a one day celebration. |
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The next student minister to serve the church was Douglas Heslip from November 1, 1965 to August 1, 1968. Mr. Heslip organized the first ecumenical meeting with all faiths in this area. |
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Raymond Hearn and family moved into the parsonage in late August 1968 to take over the duties of spiritual growth while attending the seminary. After graduating from the seminary in May, 1971, he accepted a call to a Presbyterian Church in Mt. Vernon, Iowa. Mission giving was again more emphasized during these years. During this time a new constitution and by-laws which had been approved through the merger of the E & R Congregational Churches in 1961 was formally adopted by our own local church in 1970. Our church to be known as the Harmony United Church of Christ. An ecumenical group was organized and semi-monthly meetings were held. This group of 10 youths and 6 chaperones took a 10 day trip to Cedar Knolls, New Jersey. |
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In August 1971, Frank Borema began his student ministry and in August 1972, after graduating from seminary, accepted a call as pastor at Litchfield, N. Dak. |
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Larry Vern Newman was called to serve as our Pastor. In August of 1972 Pastor Newman,
his wife,Marlena, and their six children occupied the parsonage. He was the 16th pastor of
the church. He was attending the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary. Pastor Newman
cared for the yoked congregatons of Harmony UCC and Iron Hill Community Church from September
1972 to June 1974. Following graduation in 1974 he was called to the pulpit of Peace United
Church of Christ in Monticello, Iowa. During his pastorate there was spiritual renewal and growth. Also many matters relevant to our church facilities were tended to. Our beautiful and historic stained glass windows were professionally restored and covered with bullet proof storm windows. Also, the basement was paneled and painted by volunteer work. The historic church bell was given a permanent home in the church cemetery. The fact that Harmony Church was the first Reformed Church built west of the Mississippi was re-emphasized and the Consistory placed a 4' x 8' sign on the highway advertizing that fact. The Cemetery Association which had been discontinued by the Consistory in 1949 was finally disbanded and care of the cemetery devolved upon the Consistory. Ground work was laid for the return of the control of considerable monies held in trust to the Consistory which eventually resulted in the sale of the then parsonage and the building of a new one on the church property, thus providing an attractive incentive to draw the best of candidates from the Seminary to serve the church. |
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Thomas Beck, Student Pastor 1974-1978. A new and stronger emphasis was given to world missions and individual tithing. The past few years have seen increased numbers in Sunday School and also Church services. A Bible Study class was also organized and meet on Sunday evenings to benefit those people that cannot get to Sunday School. At a special meeting of the congregation in July 1975 it was voted to sell the old parsonage and property and build a new parsonage on church property. Ground was broken the first week in August and the pastor and family moved into the new parsonage November 1, 1975 with some work yet to be done. Contractor for this building was J. W. Hanson & Sons, The cost was approximately $42,000, with the sale of the old parsonage at $24,000, sale of stocks and bonds, a gift of Mrs. Goldthorp, and individual contributions from our members in money and work the debt is now $5,000, We as a congregation are very proud of the new parsonage, Harmony Church celebrated its 125th Anniversary in 1976. |
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Jim Fishbaugh, Student Pastor, 1978-1981. When I left Dubuque Theological Seminary, Roz and I joined the staff at St. John's UCC in Monroe, WI as associate Pastor and Director of Christian Education. Following that I was called as an Associate Conference Minister of the New York Conference of UCC in western New York for 8-1/2 years. For the last 7 years, I have been working as an interim minister in New York and Pennsylvania, I am presently serving First Congregational UCC in Angola, New York. |
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Dennis Secrease, Student Pastor, 1981-1984. |
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Dwight Netzer, Student Pastor, 1984-1987, when Dwight was ordained. They now live in Albert Lea, MN. |
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Joe Corbin, Student Pastor, 1987-1992, June of 1992, we left Zwingle and moved to Dousman, WI. Where I was ordained in an interim ministry position Itawa Presbyterian Church July, saw a move to Reedsburg, WI, to Presbyterian Church where I contnue to serve as pastor. Our two children Joshua and Andrea both have gotten married in the year 2001. |
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Dave Lindemer, Student Pastor, 1992-1996, Dave and Carol Lindemer served in our church from 1992 to 1996. They moved to Farmington, IL, where they are presently living. |
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John Hall, Student Pastor, 1996-1999. I started in my senior year, Oct. 1996 at Emmaus Bible College and began my first real pastorate at Harmony UCC in Zwingle, while I had began the candidacy process in the Methodist Church prior to serving in Zwingle, and completed that process while there, the process being completed 18 months earlier than anticipated, and thus being assigned as student pastorate at the United Methodist Church in Hazel Green, WI, where we presently live and serve. I graduated from Emmaus Bible College with a Bachelors Degree in bible studies while serving in Zwingle as well as working on a Masters Degree at the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary. I will graduate in May 2002. While in Zwingle, my wife Linda taught Sunday School, and with the wide range of age in the class, she decided on the one room Sunday School curricu- lum, complete with lessons, music and craft projects for each age level. We still use the curriculum today. |
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Rev. Louis Jensen, Pastor, 1999-2001. Harmony Church celebrated its 150th Anniversary in 2001. |
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Seth Wheeler, Student Pastor, 2001-2003. Harmony Church celebrated its 150th Anniversary in 2001 |
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Rev. Louis Jensen, Pastor, 2003-2005. |
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Steven Hubbell, Student Pastor, 2005-present. In 155+ years Harmony Church has had only twenty-six pastors. Steve Hubbell is #26. |
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