Our Federated Church came out of the joining of several different churches in the first half of the 20th century -- we are a federation of different denominational groups and a non-denominational group coming together to worship and serve Jesus Christ together. While we have relationships with several denominations, we are not bound to any denominations and are our own entity. All that being said, when you join us you won't know who belongs to what denomination - we seek to be ecumenical in our worship and ministries and have a spirit of getting along and respecting each other's histories and styles. We come together in a spirit of unity as we reflect the glory of Jesus.
A Brief History of the Waterville Federated Church
The history of our Church in Waterville began before the turn of the century. The Federated Church itself was a demonstration of Christian unity in spite of ingrained denominational lines.
In 1887, the first scheduled services in Waterville were held in Josh Clarey’s Saloon, it being the only place large enough. The preacher was Reverend W.J. White, a Methodist. In 1888, the Methodists started to build the first church in Waterville on the site of what is now the “original” Federated Church.
This pioneer church of Waterville was the base of circuit riding ministers. For eighteen years, the Presbyterians held Sunday school and the Methodists had worship services each Sunday in the same building. In 1890 and 1891, a belfry was added and bell purchased. The bell by the current sanctuary is the original bell and was the first church bell to be rung in Douglas County. In 1906, a new larger brick building was started and dedicated July 14, 1907. The Baptist church was founded on July 20, 1892.
The depression years brought much hardship to the area. Beginning about 1916 with crops being short, many churches found it difficult to support both the church and a minister. In 1925, after much consultation, the Baptists merged with the Methodists. A constitution was drawn up and the The Federated Church was born. The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), which was organized in the fall of 1889, closed their doors in June 1920. The congregation then began to worship with the Baptist Church. The Christian denomination formally joined the Federation in 1927.
The Presbyterian Church joined the Federation in the late thirties, but did not become members officially until 1943. Later a Community Group was formed for those who did not care to become affiliated with any one denomination.
As the Church grew, problems began to arise including the lack of Sunday school rooms and upkeep and improvements necessitating an addition to the church. In 1954, a building fund was set up in the form of a savings account. In 1966, the building committee began work on plans for a new Christian Education building.
The late Mr. and Mrs. Adelbert Shick owned the property across the street, south of the brick church. It consisted of four lots, which were given to the Federated Church with the hope the Christian Education building, and perhaps a new sanctuary would be built there.
In 1967, following a successful fund drive, the Christian Education building became a reality and ground was broken September 12, 1968. Ben and Claude Case were chosen to be contractors. Many men and women donated hundreds of hours of work. The building was completed and dedicated April 12, 1970. We began to hold worship services in the fellowship hall of this building in the fall of 1980. The heat in the old sanctuary broke down and it became clear that a new place for worship was necessary.
Soon the wheels began to move and a vision of a new sanctuary came alive. A fund drive was organized and the vision materialized. The groundbreaking service for the new sanctuary facility was held on September 5, 1985. Thanks to the donations by our local men and women of their time, labor, and machinery the sanctuary was dedicated to the Glory of God on November 29, 1986.
We continue to seek to be a vital part of the Waterville community as we seek to worship, serve, and share the love and grace of Jesus Christ.
A Brief History of the Waterville Federated Church
The history of our Church in Waterville began before the turn of the century. The Federated Church itself was a demonstration of Christian unity in spite of ingrained denominational lines.
In 1887, the first scheduled services in Waterville were held in Josh Clarey’s Saloon, it being the only place large enough. The preacher was Reverend W.J. White, a Methodist. In 1888, the Methodists started to build the first church in Waterville on the site of what is now the “original” Federated Church.
This pioneer church of Waterville was the base of circuit riding ministers. For eighteen years, the Presbyterians held Sunday school and the Methodists had worship services each Sunday in the same building. In 1890 and 1891, a belfry was added and bell purchased. The bell by the current sanctuary is the original bell and was the first church bell to be rung in Douglas County. In 1906, a new larger brick building was started and dedicated July 14, 1907. The Baptist church was founded on July 20, 1892.
The depression years brought much hardship to the area. Beginning about 1916 with crops being short, many churches found it difficult to support both the church and a minister. In 1925, after much consultation, the Baptists merged with the Methodists. A constitution was drawn up and the The Federated Church was born. The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), which was organized in the fall of 1889, closed their doors in June 1920. The congregation then began to worship with the Baptist Church. The Christian denomination formally joined the Federation in 1927.
The Presbyterian Church joined the Federation in the late thirties, but did not become members officially until 1943. Later a Community Group was formed for those who did not care to become affiliated with any one denomination.
As the Church grew, problems began to arise including the lack of Sunday school rooms and upkeep and improvements necessitating an addition to the church. In 1954, a building fund was set up in the form of a savings account. In 1966, the building committee began work on plans for a new Christian Education building.
The late Mr. and Mrs. Adelbert Shick owned the property across the street, south of the brick church. It consisted of four lots, which were given to the Federated Church with the hope the Christian Education building, and perhaps a new sanctuary would be built there.
In 1967, following a successful fund drive, the Christian Education building became a reality and ground was broken September 12, 1968. Ben and Claude Case were chosen to be contractors. Many men and women donated hundreds of hours of work. The building was completed and dedicated April 12, 1970. We began to hold worship services in the fellowship hall of this building in the fall of 1980. The heat in the old sanctuary broke down and it became clear that a new place for worship was necessary.
Soon the wheels began to move and a vision of a new sanctuary came alive. A fund drive was organized and the vision materialized. The groundbreaking service for the new sanctuary facility was held on September 5, 1985. Thanks to the donations by our local men and women of their time, labor, and machinery the sanctuary was dedicated to the Glory of God on November 29, 1986.
We continue to seek to be a vital part of the Waterville community as we seek to worship, serve, and share the love and grace of Jesus Christ.