OUR HISTORY

Our congregation has been meeting in the same building since 1864.  We are a small family-oriented congregation where worship is uncomplicated and Christ centered with traditional services and both traditional and contemporary music.  As Presbyterians we have a special emphasis on biblical literacy and education. Everyone is welcome to join us in our worship services.

UPC'S STORY

 (Researched and written by the Rev. Gale Reiton)

Introduction

In compiling the multiple United Presbyterian Church (UPC) historical documents, I struggled to connect the faith of the 1863 saints with the saints of 2023. As I read through historical notes, it is clear that 160 years ago, life was full of fears, worry, and God’s steadfast love. I began to understand that although the contexts of communication, employment, transportation and housing have changed radically through the decades, the current time in history has a lot in common with 1863.

This collective history of the UPC (Note that I use this name for the church with the

understanding that the original name until 1968 was First Presbyterian Church) in Rockford

includes heavily reproduced copy from Rockford: The Way it Really Was by Mouraine Baker

Hubler, The History of the United Presbyterian Church 120th Anniversary, History of the

Methodist Church in Rockford, MN by N.C. Stork, Centennial Year publication, and United

Presbyterian Church and the World (1863-2014) by Rev Rick Newswanger, additional updates

since the 2014 and interviews with Lois and Chuck Bakker, Dan and Sue Bequeaith, Perry

Buffie, Gwen Mangan, Ruth Potter, Sharon Robinson, Sandy and Bob Ziegler.

The following quote is from the 80th Anniversary celebration notes “The day was set aside to

commemorate the founding of this church, August 22 and 23, 1863 and to honor the early pioneers who gave so much of their time and talent, that this priceless heritage might be given to their children and to the unborn generations to follow. We respect and honor their memory, and by keeping on this great work will strive to pass on to those who take our place in

this great work of God.”

This document was created by weaving together historical documents with recent ministry and interviews with current church members. The stories that follow are the chronicle of the history of UPC with current events. In looking back, we’ll see that God’s steadfast love, grace, and mercy were present 160 years ago and they come alive in similar yet different ways today. Historical information was gathered from multiple sources, with this in mind, there are most likely significant errors, gaps, and hyperbole. The opportunity to write of the ministry of God, through a congregation that started during the Civil War and has continued for 160 years, is

just too good to resist. God’s Peace, Pastor Gale Reitan

Linking Life in 1863 with 2023

Prior to the arrival of white settlers, the Native Americans would have built their communities along the Crow River. A clean and reliable source of water is essential for a community to flourish. The area was home to established communities of Dakota and Ojibwa tribes. Those communities were settled into summer and winter homes, hunting and gathering as the Great Spirit provided.

In 1863 there was no electricity, no motor cars, no mass communication. Pioneers relied upon their own hard work, the generosity of the community, and God’s grace in weather, enemies, and despair. It took a will of iron and the faith to move mountains, from the men and women who settled the wild frontier. The virgin wilderness held great promises of trees for lumber, farmlands for crops, matched step for step by starvation, gutting loneliness, and devastating disasters. The Crow River was a major source of transportation, it was also a vulnerability leaving the community open to both friends and foe travelling up and down stream.

The first non- Native people were most likely French Canadian following the beaver for lucrative pelts. With the lure of inexpensive farmland, immigrants arrived by the tens of thousands from Norway, Sweden, Ireland, and Germany. This clash of cultures, founded upon a colonial framework, repeatedly cast out the Native Americans as treaties were made and violated by the United States government. The genocide of the Dakota Indian Wars left little doubt who now ruled the land.

The country was in the midst of a catastrophic civil war calling soldiers to battle from north to south. Brothers and sons called to serve, some gave their all and some returned home scarred for life. The war raged from 1861 to 1865 and left 650,000 dead, communities burned to the ground, and deep scars in the new republic. Into this backdrop the First Presbyterian Church was formed by a group of Christians worshipping in each other’s homes.

When there are so many things in life that you can’t control. When you are struggling from day to day to make food appear on the table. When the world looks like it is about to end like a fish in a frying pan, you keep praying and reading the good word. What a relief to gather in worship to pray, sing, listen, and learn together.

Today in the United States we are living in a time of chaos, confusion, and change. Although civil war hasn’t been declared, families have turned against one another, and communities are divided. In post Covid America, we are still grieving the death of one million citizens. We no longer trust others nor authority. Science, which was an idol of the 21st century, has come under doubt. The only thing to rely upon is the steadfast nature of God.

Many changes have occurred in understanding the expansive message of salvation in Jesus Christ. Women can now be ordained in mainline churches with many answering the call to serve as bishops as well as pastors. In 1987, UPC had its first woman interim pastor, Reverend Marion Hedberg. In a newspaper article she is quoted as saying, “Pastoring really is enabling good relationships in the church rather than task-oriented.  The process is probably as important as the task.”  In the 1990’s most mainline churches discussed the ordination of gay/lesbian/transgender people. The debate moved forward as many states voted to allow people in the LGBTQ+1 community to marry. Denominations also had to decide about whether such weddings would be officiated by their pastors. For some denominations whether to ordain women and LGBTQ+1 people and whether to officiate such marriages are still actively debated. Just as in times of slavery in the United States, the Bible is used to defend both sides of the discussions.

On March 13, 2020, Covid was declared a world pandemic. Denominations scrambled to discern how to keep staff and worshippers safe and still offer ministry. At first, the church doors were locked, and people stayed home. But the church is a living body and needs to be in relationship with people. People of faith need access to sacraments, words, and prayer. People in need count on church ministry. As masks were donned and hand sanitizers required upon entering spaces, the doors of UPC opened for ministry. A musician wasn’t utilized for a year, instead singing was accompanied by YouTube videos during worship. Until the fall of 2021, when vaccinations were available to many people, members and visitors kept up the safety precautions. No members or frequent visitors of UPC died from Covid, but many lost family and friends. A collateral blessing is that now recordings of the service are posted on line for people who cannot attend worship.

Two months after the global pandemic was declared, George Floyd was pinned to the ground by an officer’s knee to his neck for 9 ½ minutes by a Minneapolis Police Officer. The entire confrontation was filmed by cell phones and the city erupted into riots and protests that lasted for months. His death would be ruled murder. The reality of racial discrimination in Minnesota streamed on social media around the world. Churches began to explore their racist participation in supporting segregation and discrimination. The commandment to love your neighbor as yourself is real.

Although a civil war has not been declared, the reigning political parties have decided to utilize the Constitution as a weapon against one another, finding ways to use the rules of order in the worst possible ways to antagonize one another. Currently, there is no unifying force that draws us together as citizens of the United States of America. The country faced similar political challenges in the 1968 presidential election, yet this time the very fabric of the Constitution is

being pulled and stretched to a breaking point.

The effects of climate change first warned about in the 1970’s have arrived with grave consequences. As these words are written today in Rockford, there is an air quality warning because of uncontrolled wildfires raging in Canada with the smoke caught up in the weather system. There is no longer a tornado alley, as tornadoes now rip across the entire southeast quadrant of states. The tornado and hurricane seasons arrive earlier, are more powerful, and last

longer. The solutions to heal the planet would require sacrifices like those during World War II.

Computer technology has now become the breath of life with social media, artificial intelligence, and instant global updates. With thousands of platforms, information and opinions and truth are difficult to discern one from the other.

All around are shifting voices and it is difficult to stand in shifting sands.  From the 2001 annual meeting minutes, Helen Bruse, addressed the congregation sharing her love of United Presbyterian Church and that sometimes growth can require change.  It seems that change has always been part of the landscape around UPC.  Our steadfast God has earned our trust over the years of ministry.

A Steadfast God – In the Beginning: A Presbyterian Church in Rockford, MN On August 22, 1863, a meeting was held which established the First Presbyterian Church of Rockford and on August 23, 1863, the first Presbyterian sabbath service in Rockford was officiated by Reverend James McKee with preaching, baptisms, ordination of elders and communion. During the first year, church services were held in the Rockford schoolhouse.

Discussions began immediately about raising a church building. It cost $2 for the two city lots with the agreement to build a structure worth $500 within a year. The church as the original deed written in quill pen for the purchase of the lots. But how can one congregation raise the estimated $500 to construct a building? By working together with the Methodist Episcopal congregation they had the funds to raise a building. The church building began as a shared space because after all we serve the same God. As one of the larger structures in town, it was a center of community life. In 1864-65, the present building was erected. The church is an exact replica of the home church, in England, of the first minister Reverend James Hunter. The building was truly a statement of faith to the surrounding community as it was built in the midst of the Civil War and the Indian uprising of 1862-1863.

Mr. William Sleight was the leader in organizing and building the church. In 1855, he was instrumental in organizing the first church in the area, Rockford Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Sleight and other members went into the woods and cut down timbers; the beams were prepared with a broad axe, and the lumber came from the mill in Rockford. The heating system consisted of wood stoves and kerosene lamps lit the church. Work and material were all donated. A parsonage was built about the same time as the church but was sold around 1900.

The wood, butternut and oak, came from the area around Rockford. Instead of nails, the church was built with wooden pegs; one of the pegs found during the narthex construction is in the display cabinet. Because the building was large and hard to heat, a false ceiling was installed. This did not help much, yet it was there for many years, being removed during the first major repair project in 1931. (Notes from the Centennial Celebration booklet).  Now the church is utilized annually by solo, groups, and choirs to record music because of the acoustics that the high ceilings create.

The pews are hand hewn and swing on iron hinges. For church socials long tables were placed between the pews; the versatility of the swinging pews allowed the congregation to sit

“Family style” around the tables. Unfortunately, none of those tables were preserved. The

pews could be turned to face away from the cross for civic gatherings so that they could face the

door instead of the pulpit. For the 150 Anniversary, a table was built that fits between the pews to replicate what might have been used in the early years. For years a sign stood in front of the church proclaiming “Historic Site Church was used as a Town Hall in 1864”.

Shortly after completion of the church building, it was used seven days a week. Because it was utilized so often, the ladies sewing society thought a bell would be helpful in calling people to meetings. In 1871, they raised $130 dollars and ordered the bell. A bell tower was constructed and ready. Because the ladies’ sewing society was composed of women from all denominations, “…it is clear that the bell on the addition of the Presbyterian church building was not now and never was the property of the Presbyterian congregation nor was it ever intended to be. And it was never intended to fit into the Presbyterian belfry as the tower was provided for before the bell was purchased.” (Rockford: The Way it Really Was) When the 600-pound bell arrived by hand sled from St. Anthony, it was too large for the recently constructed bell tower. The bell was rung to announce the end of the Civil War. In 1886, funds were raised by the ladies sewing society to re-enforce, repair, and paint the larger bell tower structure. The tower stood for many years. Later when found unsafe, the Village Council volunteered to erect a steel tower, providing the bell could be used in time of a fire. The church bell served Rockford as the community fire alarm until replaced by the present siren.

Since its origin, the building has had three major additions: the basement addition in 1931, the education unit on the west side, and the narthex on the east. When the church was reopened in 1931 after being mostly unused for 15 years, a major building campaign included adding a basement under part of the sanctuary, adding a furnace, and inserting 3 iron rods for stability from wall to wall in the sanctuary. The education unit was built in the early 60’s and dedicated at the Centennial Celebration on September 13, 1963. From 1965 to 1966 the new education space was utilized by the Rockford School District for kindergarten. And it was utilized again for kindergarten in 1973 when Bob Ziegler, Superintendent of Schools made a request. Bob is still active in the ministry of UPC.

The narthex was completed in 1972 and was dedicated October 8, 1972. Upon the completion of the narthex, a day was set aside for dedication and rededication. “Dedication of a building and those things which make it, perhaps, a little more comfortable and pleasant. Rededication of the lives of those who worship in this sanctuary and seek to serve their God in their community.”

With meticulous and timely maintenance leading into this 159th year, the building has no deferred maintenance. The Manse that was purchased in 1997 was sold in 2003. For more than

30 years Everett Bruse, a master carpenter, blessed the church with cabinets, millwork, and

bookshelves to hold all the ministry supplies that a church needs. Dan Bequeaith is the current facilities coordinator, which now also includes computer software upgrades, worship projector and sound system, and security system. Others who continue to be committed to facility projects include: Mike B., Phil Johnson, Mike Olson, Jerry Potter, Rich VanBergan, Wayne Vandenheuvel, and Bucky Young, Some of the building updates include:

1989 – Building resided

1993 – Sanctuary was repainted.

1996 – Handicapped entrance was added

2000 - New furnace and two stained glass windows by Linda Andrews were installed to replace

windows that were cracked.

2002 - Narthex remodeled with new furniture and toys were purchased for the nursery.

2004 – Air conditioning system installed, and the sanctuary piano was replaced with an

electronic keyboard.

2006 – Accessible bathroom added to the first floor.

2009 – Exterior of the church painted

2010 – Chimney was shortened, and the roof was re-shingled.

2014 – Security system installed

2018 – drain tile and sump pump installed in the basement, new carpet in the basement.

2020 – projector, computer, projection screen installed in the sanctuary.

2023 – The entryway was remodeled with repairs to the walls, new carpeting installed followed

by painting all of the first-floor areas, except the sanctuary.

The building is accessible to people of all abilities, is flexible in meeting a variety of needs, and looks well kept. It is a place where people are renewed in spirit though word and sacraments then sent forth filled with the Holy Spirit to serve with love. The building has marked God’s presence in the Rockford community, served as a sanctuary, and send forth the Good News of Jesus Christ in word and action.

A Steadfast God – Culture and Church

In 1864, life at church was very different than today. There were no bulletins, the congregation said little, and there was no church calendar. Most hymns were still sung Psalms either without accompaniment or with an organ. There was no church choir or Sunday school. Children sat quietly outside the church in warm weather or on benches near open windows. People were encouraged to kneel for prayer. Communion was celebrated once to four times a year. The average Sunday service lasted 90 minutes with a 60-minute sermon. Most people assume that “fire and brimstone’ preaching was usual in those days, but that is not true. Most sermons were didactic and resembled more of what we think of as Bible studies. It was normal for a sermon to be based on parallels between Old Testament and New Testament passages usually led to a lesson on moral behavior.

In 1864, in Rockford, travel was done mostly by horse drawn carts and sleds, but there was also some boat traffic on the river. They had wood and coal stoves and kerosene lamps. They ate a good deal of potatoes, bread, turnips, apples, beets, onions, pumpkins, dried and smoked meats, and fish. At the end of eighth grade, you finished school and took up farming, housekeeping, carpentry or other trades. (prior four paragraphs from the 150 Year History)

From Mrs. N.C. Stork, “The Indian uprisings occurred because of unjust treatment by the whites. Many of the Rockford people were friendly with the Indians and were disturbed over their treatment. They were debauched, defrauded, and degraded; herded together on reservations like sheep. The immediate cause of the outbreak was deferred payment to them. The 1862-1863 Indian scare in Wright County caused many settlers to leave crops, livestock, and homes for St. Paul, Minneapolis, and Fort Snelling. Very few families remained in “Big Woods”. It was estimated that a third of the population never returned. One hundred and fifty people from Rockford took refuge on a heavily timbered island on Lake Beebe, seven miles north of Rockford. They built a fort and remained there for two weeks. During the uprisings a log fort was built in front of the sawmill in Rockford. A guard of 12 men changed at midnight. As the alarm increased and attacks were made by the Indians in nearby localities, a stockade was put up that was forty-foot square with bastions at each cover. A detachment of soldiers, belonging to Co. I Tenth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry was stationed at Rockford. In 1864 the Sioux Indians were driven across the Missouri River and peace came to the country.”

From the “150 Year History” book under the 1904 to 1924 section, “Although most of the United States identified as being Protestant, there were new pressures and ideas challenging the church. There was a big split occurring between the city church and the country churches. The city churches were more likely to be involved in charitable organizations like orphanages, hospitals, and soup kitchens, while the rural churches were coming under the influence of the conversion-oriented tent meeting with fiery preaching. Before any other denomination, the two sides identified themselves as modernists and fundamentalists. It tore apart many congregations and many denominations and it is still shaking things up.”

According to Lifeway Research, in 2019 approximately 4,500 Protestant churches closed, with approximately 3,000 new churches opening. A study by Pew Research found that the number of Americans who identified as Christian was 64% in 2020, with 30% of the US population being classed as “religiously unaffiliated”. Approximately 6% of Americans identified with Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, or Buddhism. Still, 85% of Americans say that they regularly pray.

The boom of mega churches with performance worship services and multiple church campuses offer worship that includes worship bands, concert seating, and watching worship. This is distinctly different than the Presbyterian worship format that is anchored by the work of all - leading and participating in prayers, songs, readings. The glory days of the mainline churches are gone, and we have had to change our ministry methods. Instead of expecting people to walk into a church they have never been to, we build relationships by serving the community, meeting people and welcoming them to come and see. As one member exclaimed at a recent Presbytery event, “I have been focused on getting people in the pews and the focus now is about our presence within the community.”

A Steadfast God – Lay Leadership

The UPC has been blessed through the centuries by devote lay leadership. From the “Centennial Year pamphlet”, “After the first service in 1863, the session met and elected T.M. Cathcart as clerk of the session, who served for several years, then was succeeded by Moses G. Waren, who served as ruling elder and clerk of session for thirty six years Mr. Waren deserves mention as an outstanding lay leader in this church. During his continuous 36 years as a ruling elder he usually was also the clerk and only elder of the church.” Helen and Everett Bruse were so beloved by the congregation, that a testament of them in caricature hangs in the fellowship hall. Sharon Robinson served as church administration and clerk of the session for years. When asked what her favorite part of UPC was she responded, “All of it!” Today, many members share generously of their time, talents, resources, and relationship to build toward the next 160 years of ministry.

A Steadfast God – Lean Times and Abundant Times

For a few years in the 1920’s the only services held at UPC were communion and baptism. These were performed by the ministers and elders from Buffalo Presbyterian Church. UPC. Session minutes leave a blank from April 4, 1920, to March 15, 1931. In August of 1931, a congregational meeting was held, and officers were elected; they were installed August 23. That same year, the decision was made to repair the church; the old stoves removed, the furnace went in, and new flooring was added. Three times the annual budget, $1500 was raised for many structural repairs to the church. It was a beautiful Sunday when the building improvements were dedicated, and many old church members returned for the celebration. There was a morning service, followed by an afternoon service, followed by a meal at the home of a member named Mrs. Naw. About 60 people were present.

The 1931 annual budget was $523. The part-time pastor’s salary was $400 per year and even in the Depression Era wages this was low. In those days Session meetings generally happened in the home of one of the elders. In 1931, a woman named Effie Walker was then congregation’s first female Clerk of the Session. She later represented the congregation at Presbytery meetings as a Chief Elder. Session met up to 6 times each year. In December of 1933, the church elders were put under some pressure to join the Minnesota Loyalty Crusade; it was a nationalist movement that feared the influence of foreign governments through ethnic immigrants. The Session agreed to submit, but only to the point where it did not conflict with the congregation’s needs and beliefs. This would not be the only time that churches faced pressure to oppress immigrants – there was the persecution of Japanese citizens during WWII, the McCarthy era of “communist suspicions”, and the current lack of assistance for refugees at the border.

From 1944-1974 church life continued. In 1944, the sanctuary was still the only building they had. There were Sunday services, but no evening services. And in those thirty years, the church went through 17 pastors.

A Steadfast God – The Merger

Throughout the history of the First Presbyterian Church, discussion was often made of uniting with various Presbyterian churches in the area, and many times Buffalo Presbyterian shared their Pastors and elders with First Presbyterian. In the 60’s the Presbyterian churches of Big Lake and Rockford shared Pastors for a time. At that time small Presbyterian and Methodist churches across the country were given the option (actually, encouraged) to merge with other small congregations in close proximity. The history of the Methodist Episcopal Church and the First Presbyterian Church becomes a history of the United Presbyterian Church on July 28, 1968.

And with the merger and building projects, change was just part of everyday ministry. Working together with other churches was written in the DNA of this congregation from the beginning. When the churches merged, the copper cross made by Pearl Jude from the Methodist Church was brought to the Presbyterian Church. It was united with a hand carved wooden cross, and the two cross hang together as one at the center of the altar of this building. It is a beautiful symbol of the unification that took place in 1968.

From the merger celebration, “This is our message to the community: Though we are different, we are judged by the same standards and have the same opportunities to accept Christ and go forward to serve. We are different, we do not always think alike, but we are the same. We invite those in the community who do not have a church home to join us. There is always room for another in God’s family. For those of you who were once a part of our church’s fellowship but have moved away and now have your church home in another town, we welcome you to join us whenever you are able. – it is always good to renew old friendships.”

The altar area holds three hand carved chairs. The original pulpit is still in use, though at one time it was much larger. The communion table came from the Methodist church as did the wooden offering plates. The Bible was given to the Methodist church in 1946 in memory of Milton I. Quady by this parents Ira and Julia. The candlesticks are solid brass and were purchased by the Martha Circle. The current baptismal font was created by Phil Johnson in

memoriam to Helen Bruse. Prior to that, someone held a decorative bowl with water for baptisms.

A Steadfast God – Discipleship Through the Years

The church held its first Vacation Bible School in June 1948. And in 1952 the first

Confirmation class was held. At that time membership was listed as 72 people but weekly attendance seems to have been about twenty adults with an uncounted number of children. The

1950’s were the glory days for mainline Christian churches. People would ask, “Which church do you go to?” assuming that everyone went to church.

From the 120th Anniversary Celebration: “The youth group “CRUSADERS, for ages first to sixth grades, also give the young a chance to learn about Jesus in a less structured environment, In addition it gives the children a chance to enjoy fellowship with one another by experiencing new places and different ideas than they may be routinely exposed to. One of the fun outings last year was to see how maple syrup was made and get a change to taste the product.”

In 1982 a joint Vacation Bible School with Our Father’s Lutheran church there were 55 preschoolers, 99 K-8th graders and 45 teachers, helpers, and other adult volunteers. There have been many opportunities for these two congregations to work together. Midweek Advent worship was held jointly between the two congregations in 2022.

In 2000 a cookbook created by the congregation says, “The United Presbyterian Church in Rockford is bringing its faith and its traditions into the third century.” What a powerful statement of God’s steadfast work through UPC! The cookbook along with church picnics, choirs, special events, women’s retreats, youth groups, sleep ins, men’s groups, women’s circles, and service projects helped members live into the relationship of discipleship in Jesus Christ.

Calling up pastors from within congregations is the work of church members inspired by the Holy Spirit. On October 19, 1864 the Presbytery met to ordain and install James H. Hunter as the first pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, in Rockford. Another document noted that Scott

Vandenheuvel led a special prayer service in response to the 9/11 attacks. In 2006, church member and Elder Scott Vandenheuvel graduated from Bethel Seminary and was ordained in the

Presbyterian Church on June 3, 2007. His mom, Jeanine Vandenheuvel continues to be an active member of UPC. This calling up practice continues today as Joel Pike who led worship twice a month during Covid, heard the call to become ordained and completed ordination with the Elim Lutheran Church in 2022.

The pie booth that is part of River Days started around 1980ish – because no one remembers the exact date. At first there were just tables in the park and whole pies were brought down, cut into pieces, plated with ice cream. Then a camper was used and the cutting and plating were done inside. A collapsible booth with walls, ceiling and wired for electrical was built and served well for 30 years. Because the booth needed significant repair and was getting unmanageable to move, in 2023 an event tent was purchased and pre- packaged slices are brought down the hill by golf cart. Many in Rockford know UPC as the “pie church”.

With both parents working in many homes, volunteering and participating in church ministry faces many challenges. Women’s circles of the past that met only during the daytime, no longer met the needs of women who work outside the home. Day time Vacation Bible School faces the challenge of finding volunteers and transportation for children to get to church to participate. With the rise of organized sports, music, dance, theatre - children and youth have many options to choose from and parents are busy chauffeuring here and there. Churches that are active and engaged in their communities and can offer short term flexible volunteering, evening activities, service activities, and direct hands-on participation seem to be fairing the best.

In the fall of 2019, with waning membership, there wasn’t a plan for Sunday School. Our steadfast God had another plan. Parents of grandchildren and neighborhood children inquired about Sunday School. To answer those requests, Sunday School started with a twice a month format, including Children’s Christmas worship, singing, and doing skits in worship, and special stewardship campaigns for purchasing ducks and pigs for needy global communities. Louise

VanBergan, Cindy Gaupp, Sandy Ziegler, The format continues today for our children. It works

for families that can’t commit to every Sunday and for volunteers to have enough children present.

Raising up disciples of Jesus Christ is part of the call for Presbyterian Churches. As the world grows more complex, with social media, artificial intelligence, climate change, social justice issues, there are many ways that UPC provides a foundation in day to day living. We are called to not hide our light under a bushel but to share the Good News that the Holy Spirit is always advocating for us and Jesus Christ has demonstrated a way to live by leaning into our steadfast God.

A Steadfast God – World Missions

In these early years, the Presbyterian denomination supported many overseas missions (especially in Korea and parts of Africa). The main emphasis for work in the United States was to improve literacy by building up the public school system. If not for Presbyterian work, public schools in America would be very different than they are today.

In 1948, the church raised $764, more than half the annual budget, to aid Presbyterian churches in Europe and Asia after the destruction of World War II. Helen Bruse, an active member into her 90’s, was deeply committed to supporting world missions at UPC and ensured that pledges to missions were part of the annual budget.

In 2012 the Session approved funds to support member Megan Fuhr in joining with Peggy Halverson’s mission in Liberia. At church, the sewing machines hummed along creating many infant gowns and other supplies to send with her. And in 2022, we celebrated with Peggy

Halverson the 10th Anniversary of what has become Teamwork Africa based in Liberia.

The first One Great Hour of Sharing was collected in 1970 to support the ministry of Presbyterian Church, U.S.A. With the dedication of Lois Bakker and Louise Van Bergan, UPC continues the initial passion of Helen Bruse for world missions. We continue to support Teamwork Africa in addition to other global ministries. In recent years we have financially and prayerfully supported YWAM, CRU, Talking Bibles, and SEND International.

A Steadfast God – Community Missions

Reaching into the community has always been part of this church’s history. One source says that “In 1976 the United Presbyterian Church has organized an evangelism task force to share the Gospel with the un-churched people of Rockford and Greenfield.” From the 120 Anniversary Book, “The Presbyterian Church in Rockford has gone through many transitions and changes. During all these years, the congregation has worked to make this church a vital part of the community. On occasion we have set aside special times to renew our pledge to God and the community to continue the spirit of the charter members who wrote…believe and trust that a Presbyterian Church will be for their spiritual profit and for the good of the whole community.” Members committed to community mission include Sue and Dan Bequeaith, Cindy Gaupp, Gwen Mangan, Jen Olson, Lesli and Mike Olson, Ruth Potter, Diane Turnham., Jessica and Wayne Vandenheuvel, Sandy Ziegler,

That phrase “good for the whole community” has developed into “Serving with Love”. In

2009, local churches wondered how to work together to help neighbors in need. A non-profit agency, RiverWorks, was formed in 2011 to help neighbors in need with a food shelf, community store, food truck and more. By focusing on what we share in common in our faith in

Jesus Christ, churches harnessed the power of their members to help many hear the Good News of Jesus Christ in real ways with food, clothing, shelter, and more.  Sandy Ziegler a UPC member served on the original board of NourishingHope a monthly food ministry based out of Our Father’s Lutheran Church.

 “Serving with Love”, drives and directs our church ministry from day to day as our presence in community life is evident through service at the RiverWorks Food Shelf, Meals on Wheels and NourishingHope. In recent years, we have financially supported the RiverWorks Food Shelf, the Veterans Memorial, and community events.

A Steadfast God – Music Ministry

A few years after the bell was placed, the ladies sewing society hosted a couple of events and purchased an organ for the church as well. The organ is still in the sanctuary, joined by a keyboard, new sound system, computer, and projector. With the pandemic of 2020, gone are the

days of paper bulletins and newsletters. Yet, singing four-part harmony requires the hymnals and

this congregation loves to sing, sing, sing. Perhaps owing in part to that organ purchased in 1878.

Concerts and “entertainments” were sponsored by the ladies sewing society to raise funds for various initiatives from the pastor’s salary to building upgrades. This organization also sponsored special community events like the United States Centennial Celebration. In the UPC Centennial Anniversary pamphlet, the church choir is listed with Alan Frost as Director and Mrs. Ross Munger as the Accompanist. She was the only woman in the choir as the list of members is all men.

“Music Sunday” first occurred in February 1970. It included many small groups, solo musicians, and every child sharing their musical talents. Some children and youth learned to play simple piano tunes just to share on Music Sunday. This service was so popular that it

continued for at least 45 more years.

The commitment of UPC musicians is to be sung among the saints. Those musicians

 sacrificed family occasions, vacations, and adventures to lead worship with the pastors every Sunday, special events, weddings, and funerals. Some of the UPC musicians include Helen Olsen (hired 1997), Peggy Hammond, Toni Diem (hired 2003), David Schut (hired 2006), and Karen Otto (hired 2012) who has played continuously for 11 years.

A Steadfast God – Presbyterian Church U.S.A.

The United Presbyterian Church is a member of the Presbyterian Church USA. This membership provides structure, support, and guidance to members and leadership. Presbyterian theology typically emphasizes the sovereignty of God, the authority of the Scriptures, and the necessity of grace through faith in Christ. Presbyterian church government was ensured in Scotland by the Acts of Union in 1707 which created the Kingdom of Great Britain. The Presbyterian denomination was taken to North America, mostly by Scots and Scotch- Irish immigrants. The Presbyterian denominations in Scotland hold to the Reformed theology of John Calvin. UPC continues to lean into the Presbyterian roots by active involvement with the Presbytery, supporting stewardship campaigns like On Great Hour, and utilizing Presbyterian resources in worship and education.

A Steadfast God – Social Media Presence

The church’s first website was created in 2006 and the first Facebook page was created in

2013. Now it is vitally important to update this ministry presence frequently. With so many other options for people, church has to be relevant, with an ear to God’s guidance and an ear to people’s daily needs. Give us this day, says the Lord’s Prayer. From creating and distributing a coloring book of the Christian story at community events, to outside displays around the building, to engaging social media - our community presence states that we are historic AND alive and engaged in the community. This is a significant change from the old church philosophy of, “If you build it, they will come.” Communicating by social media has become part of the day-to-day ministry of church life in 2023.

A Steadfast God – Financial Stewardship

Currently, financial stewardship is strong. With shrewd management of funds, there is two times the annual budget in reserve. Sue Bequeaith and Brent Nordhaus have given 100’s of hours in financial management over the last decades. The funds have been invested in a tiered system, so that funds are available for emergencies and funds are invested in the long term for more return. With the interest rates so low the past decade, cash investments have yielded small returns. By utilizing multiple Presbytery grants and Thrivent Action Grants, UPC has been empowered to host many community ministry events. More than 10 percent of our annual budget has been given to the Presbytery, community and world missions for a number of years. As God trusts us, we trust in return.

Conclusion

From learning to lean into the steadfast love, grace, and mercy of God to taking the Good News into the community, we are expanding our presence in the community. The Pie Booth, parade, RiverWorks Christmas, Harvest Festivals, rummage sales, Memorial Day celebration, and the Business Expo have been opportunities to share the Good News of Jesus Christ, serve with love, and be present in the community.

Anchored in faith in Jesus Christ, by a history of saints who leaned into and trusted God, we are a historic Presbyterian church that is alive and engaged in the community. We are 160 years strong at this anniversary celebration owing to the deep faith of believers past and trusting in God’s grace as we continue to open the doors and invite people in and grow in our understanding of going out in the midst of the community to be the presence of God.

With all the challenges in the world and challenges in sharing the Gospel, we could simply decide that the call is too great. Just as Sunday School came back to life, God calls us to continue. We have re-imagined ministry and will continue to do that creative work. There are strong ministry foundations in place as we have launched into the community. Our steadfast God has always valued the smaller tribes and the outsiders, outcasts, and others. As always, in the 160 years of United Presbyterian Church, our future rests in God’s steadfast hands.

Church Timeline

1855 – circuit rider worship happening in and around Rockford

August 22 and 23, 1863 – first Presbyterian Sabbath in Rockford

1864-65 – building completed – pews are original hand hewn from local lumber. Shared space  

with Methodists and Episcopalians

1878 – organ purchased

1924-1931 – no regular worship services held – only baptisms, funerals, and weddings.

1931 – decision made to refurbish the church – furnace, flooring, foundation, and metal bars  

were added across the sanctuary as the foundation was added.

1943 – wooden bell tower replaced by metal one that was taken down in 1963 and the bell

presently sits atop the education wing.

1944-1974 – 30 years and 17 different pastors

1949-1952 – under the direction of Rev Stanley Hanks, a revitalization took place. The active

membership more than doubled and improvements were made to the building.

1963 – Education addition in celebration of 100th anniversary

1965 – The education building is used by the Rockford School District for kindergarten at $300 a

month.

1968 – First Presbyterian Church joined with Methodist Evangelical Church to become United

Presbyterian Church of Rockford. Copper cross from the Methodist church was joined with the wooden one at Presbyterian.

1972 – Completion of the narthex

1973 – Mr. Ziegler, the principal of the elementary school, discusses the possibility of renting the

church addition for kindergarten again

1981 – Sharon Robinson begins her first term as Clerk of Session.

1981 – First Pie Booth was coordinated

1990 – First annual “Music Sunday” was held in February

1992 – For the first time, as the days of typewriters drew to a close, the church newsletter was

completed and computerized by Nancy Carter.

1997 – Finke property next door was purchased to expand the church facility. The house later

serves as a manse.

1998 – New pew cushions

1999 – Pastor Ellison left UPC after serving the congregation for almost 11 years.

2004 - 140 Anniversary Celebration

2007 – Serving counter installed replacing the planter. The Pie Booth sold 87 pies

2009 - 145 Anniversary celebrated.

2011 – UPC helps make RiverWorks Food Shelf a reality

2012 – Karen Otto becomes the church musician. The 23 rd annual Music Sunday was a big     event.

2016 – NourishingHope is created?

2018 – After 15 years, Pastor Newswanger moves on

2019 – Sharon Robinson leaves as Administrative Assistant?

2020 – Covid Pandemic declared, worship cancelled until precautions were put into place

2020 – Joel Pike leads worship 2 Sundays a month

2021 – Pastor Gale Reitan takes a half time call with UPC- preaching 3 Sundays a month.

2023 – Celebration of the 160 Anniversary

Summary of Pastoral Leadership

Though out the decades, UPC pastoral leadership seems to be long tenured or in and out. From 1944 to 1974 there were 17 different pastors in leadership. Some of the longer-term pastors include Reverend H.S. Noyes – 10 years, Reverend J.H. Sellie – 14 years, Reverend R. Roberts –

10 years, Reverend William Grobe – 8 years, Reverend James. G. Ellison – 11 years, and Dr.

Reverend Newswanger – 15 years. At one time, churches were encouraged to change pastoral

leadership after five years. Research from the Pew Institute now demonstrates that healthy

pastoral leaders tend to have growing congregations and stay over 10 years.

In the “A History of the United Presbyterian Church, Rockford, MN 120 Anniversary

Celebration 1984”, there was a list of the Methodist reverends. It had been only 16 years since the merger with the First Presbyterian Church. By including the Methodist reverends, baptism, and membership in the celebration booklet, the history of the Methodist tradition in Rockford was honored and preserved.

The last two pastors to serve United Presbyterian Church were ordained in the Evangelical Church in America (ELCA). This continues with the earliest roots of the congregation with many denominations serving and sharing space. This agreement to share pastoral leadership and spaces was made among Presbyterian Church U.S.A., the Methodist Church, the Episcopal Church, and the ELCA.

Summary of Methodist Reverends in Rockford, MN

1855 Reverend Caurp, Pastor and John Keons, P.E.

1856 Reverend G. Myers

1857 Reverend A.H. Abbott, Pastor and S.T. Terret, P.E. Greenwood, Rockford, Fountain Lake         and Watertown

1858 Reverend C. Bowdish

1859-1860 Reverend Levi Geason, Pastor and David Brooks, P.E. Monticello, North Branch        of the Crow River

1861-1862 Reverend C. Barkaloo

1863 Reverend M. Martin, Pastor and Reverend J.R. Chaffee, P.E.

1864-1865 Reverend H.G. Shaffner

1866-1867 Reverend Chubbuck, Pastor and Reverend C. Griswold, P.E.

1868-1869 Reverend Cook

1870-1871 Reverend A. Cressy

1872 Reverend T. Gunn, R. Tuttle, and George Johnson

1873-1874 Reverend Amos Dickinson and Reverend Sparrow

1875-1876 Reverend M. Kephart

1877-1978 Reverend Cyrus Brooks, D.D. P.E.

1879 Reverend Langly and William Brown

1880 Reverend Obediah Burnett

1881-1882 Reverend W.H. Hackett

1883-1886 Reverend Adam Follensbee

1887-1889 Reverend John Doran

1889 Reverend W.H. Wilson, Pastor and Reverend John Stafford, P.E.

1890 Reverend D.C. Clancy

1891 Reverend Jaber Blackhurst

1892-1893 Reverend J.B. Davis

1894 Reverend J.W. Powell, Pastor and J.F. Chaffe, P.E.

1895-1899 Reverend Farber

1899-1901 Reverend A.F. Thompson

1901-1903 Reverend T.J. Chapple

1903-1906 Reverend A. Hopkins

1906 Reverend J.A.R. Ewing

1913-1915 Reverend H.C. Mecklenburg

1915 Reverend Earl W. Munson

1918 – 1920 Reverend Norman Batdorf

1920 – 1927 Reverend C.E. Wittrey

1927- 1931 Reverend A.G. Parks

1931-1934 Reverend C.E. Haynes

1934-1935 Reverend George A. Hanna

1935-1938 Reverend H.W. Mitchell and James A. Hills

1945-1947 Reverend Norman State

1947-1948 Reverend Wallace Henk

1949-1952 Reverend Stanley G. Hanks

1952 Reverend Paul Engstrom

1952-1954 Reverend Donald Mattson

1954-1955 Reverend Donald Sandin

1955-1957 Reverend Lewis F. Allin

1957-1960 Reverend Forest Perce

1960-1964 Reverend Frank L. Sechrist

1964-1968 Reverend James R. Barbe

Summary of Presbyterian Reverends in Rockford, MN

1863-1870 Reverend James H. Hunter

1870-1877 Reverend Charles Thayer

1877-1881 Reverend A.H. Benson

1881-1883 Reverend H.C. Cheadle

1883-1886 Reverend C. Allen

1886-1888 Reverend P.M. Jamieson

1888-1889 Reverend T. Ross Paden

1889-1899 Reverend H.S. Noyes

1899-1900 Reverend J.S. Pinney

1900-1902 Reverend Father Theynes

1902-1903 Reverend W.F. Thompson

1903 Reverend Smith

1903-1927 Reverend J.H. Sellie

1927-1937 Reverend R. Roberts

1938-1940 Reverend Harold Ingersoll

1941 Reverend Harold Baldwin

1941-1943 Reverend C.M. Schaughnessy

1943-1944 Reverend T.S. Higgins

1943 Dr. Victor Nelson

1943 Reverend Kermit Prince

1945-1946 Reverend Harry Buck

1946-1948 Reverend Brian Cleworth

1946 Reverend Paul Main Fowler

1945-1946 Reverend Frank Walkup

1948-1949 Dr. James Boren

1949 Reverend Earl Johnson

1949-1951 Dr. Mott R. Sawyers

1952 Reverend Richard Roberts

1951-1955 Reverend E.N. Peterson

1953-1954 Reverend David Castrodale

1955-1956 Reverend Ralph French

1956-1958 Reverend Henry Ruf

1959-1960 Reverend Hugh Miller

1959-1960 Reverend F. Dana Hubbard

1960-1966 Reverend Raymond J. Molander

1967-1969 Reverend Alfred S. Wakefield

1969-1970 Dr. William Bell

1970-1973 Reverend Clifford Channer

1973 Reverend Arthur Emerson

1974-1976 Reverend Clifford E. Nordine

1976-1978 Reverend Arthur Emerson

1979-1987 Reverend William Grobe

1987-1988 Reverend Marion Hedberg

1988-1999 Reverend James. G. Ellison

1999-2001 Reverend Robert C. Bailey

2001-2003 Reverend Robert Schmitt

2003-2018 Reverend Dr. Richard Newswanger

2019-2021 Supply Pastors

2021 – Reverend Gale Reitan