Harmony Church UCC - Zwingle, the first Reformed Church west of the Mississippi, celebratated its 150th Anniversary on September 16, 2001. The congregation has called pastors from among the ranks of the students at the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary since 1942. This arangement has suited the church and the school well. The church has a ready resource of student pastoral candidates and the Seminary has had an excellent Field Education opportunity for its students,

Here's a few things that make this charge attractive:

1. Distance from Dubuque. Most student pastors are weekend pastors only. Their church is so distant from the school they must go home on weekends only -- away from family and congregation all week. Zwingle is a short 15 mile (15 minute) trip from Dubuque and about 20 miles from Maquoketa to the south.

2. Lovely Parsonage Provided. In 1975 we sold the church parsonage and built a modern, clean and comfortable new one, with attached garage. Over the years the home has been maintained and lovingly cared for. It will make any family a fine place to call home.

3. Quite Suburban Setting. Zwingle, named after the Swiss Reformer, Ulrich Zwingli, is nestled among the rolling hills where Dubuque County and Jackson County meet. Situated just off Highway 61, Zwingle is a quite, peace loving community of over 100 souls. There is nothing like a nice evening out of doors watching the fire flies and listening to the crickets sing, allowing the peace of the place to soak into your soul. A respite from hitting the books all day and a great place to raise children. Kids love it!

4. Well preserved and maintained church facility. Harmony's first building was dedcated on May 11, 1856.That structure has been enlarged and altered over the years, but it is the same building erected in 1856. The congregation has kept their church very well. Over the years stained glass windows have been installed as memorials. These beautiful works of art are priceless. In 1973 all of the windows were restored and covered with a bullet proof Lexan. New siding was installed in that time frame as well. As the picture shows, it is a fine facility.

5. Its the Only Place in Town! Harmony Church sits on a knoll above the town itself, and is the only church in town. Not a hard place to find. Clearly visible from the highway, its spire points heavenward, bearing mute witness that a people of God worship here.

6. The congregation is supportive regarding time constraints. Because the church has been involved in calling UDTS student pastors for over 63 years, the congregation understands the limitations of your time and expect the student pastor to be on a time budget, that except for emergency situations the person is first a student and then a pastor.

NOTE: When the church is seeking a pastor, interested students should contact the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary Field Education office for details.