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Senior Minister:
Rev. Torie Front
Secretary/Treasurer:
Debbie Smetts
Custodian:
Peggy Green
Care Ministry:
Betty Nash
Christian Education Ministry:
Fred Grace
Fellowship Ministry:
Patsy Farmer
Finders Ministry:
Bob Tucker
Membership & Outreach:
Lisa McKimmins
Missions Ministry:
Mary Jane and Eric Burgess
Moderator:
Bryan Payne
Music & Worship Ministry:
Janet Goodman
Sue Hatch
Stewardship:
Bill Goodman
Trustees:
Bob Rowe
Kyle Campbell
Mary Dodsworth
WISH:
Becky Campbell
Webmaster:
Tom Lake Jr.
History
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Highwater Congregational Church History
1842, 1-31 Our church was initially known as the Church of Christ of Sylvania. There were 25 members.
1857 Joined Mt. Vernon Christian Conference and became known as the Highwater Christian Church.
1918, 8-11 Present church building dedicated.
1931 Merged with Congregational Churches and became known as the Highwater Congregational Christian Church
1961, 4-17 Approved constitution of the United Church of Christ. It was a merger of the Congregational Christian Churches and the Evangelical Reformed Churches. Our name became the Highwater Congregational Church (U.C.C.)
1983 Growth and reorganization began under leadership of Reverend James Legg. 1989 Building Addition Dedicated
1992 150th Anniversary Celebration
1994 Paid loan off on 17 acre land purchase
1994 Highwater Shelter House dedicated.
1994 Began raising money for the Jim & Nellene Legg Family Life Center, a multipurpose building and classrooms with a narthex connecting it to our church.
1997 Jim & Nellene Legg Family Life Center dedicated.
2005 JIM & NELLENE LEGG FAMILY LIFE CENTER LOAN PAID OFF!
History of Highwater
The Church of Christ at Sylvania was founded by Benjamin Seever and Jesse Harris in 1842. On January 31, 1842, more than a score of pioneers met in Sylvania and organized a church, which was known as the Church of Christ. Jesse Harris was also the first minister.
On July 19, 1842, the Church met in "first Fellowship" and appointed the third Saturday of each month for Fellowship meetings. (They are known today as council meetings!)
A parcel of land was purchased in 1855, with the deed being conveyed formally on October 2.
In 1857 the church became a member of the Mt. Vernon Christian Conference and became known as the Highwater Christian Church. The Ladies Aid Society (Women's Fellowship) was organized in 1899/1900 and has been a positive spiritual and financial influence ever since.
Construction on a new church building began in 1917, when the old church building was moved to the back of the lot to make room for the new building. The new church building was completed the following year and dedicated on August 11, 1918. The beautiful stained glass windows were sponsored by different families of the church. The old church building was rolled on logs about a mile west, to the Baughman farm, where it is still used as a storage building.
In 1931, the Christian Churches merged with the Congregational Churches, and Highwater Christian Church became known as the Highwater Congregational Christian Church.
The custom of baptism by immersion was practiced for a number of years, often in the creek which flows beside the church property. The last creek baptism was in the 1940's.
Bible School was first held in 1940 and is a continuing part of the Christian Education ministry.
Publication of the church newsletter began in 1955 and continues to date.
A period of growth and organization began in 1983, under the leadership of Reverend James Legg, which necessitated the need for larger facilities. An addition was dedicated on April 16, 1989, which included three additional classrooms, a modern kitchen, restroom renovations and an elevator that provided access to the basement and worship/study areas. A new back entry opened to adequate parking facilities.
The church continued to grow after Rev. Legg retired and Reverend Ronald Hall became our minister in January 1994. In 1998 the James & Nellene Legg Family Life Center was dedicated. At just under 10,000 sq. ft., this facility provides additional classrooms and meeting space; a larger, better equipped kitchen; and a multi-purpose area that is used for community basketball, gymnastics and volleyball, as well as children's programs, dinners and receptions.
(From the 150th Anniversary of Highwater Congregational Church booklet, with thanks to author Jane Hoar)
