Congregational Church of Amenia Records, 1886-1916 (Mss 97)
History

On June 22, 1886, a meeting was held in the office of E. W. Chaffee, and after that a paper was presented to each citizen who was known to be a church member of any church asking if they would join a Congregational Church if such should be organized.  There was enthusiasm, and when pledges were taken for such, practically every person in the community donated something.  When pledges reached $2,5000, Mr. Chaffee donated land for the church and a parsonage.

The church was organized August 15, 1886 at a meeting held in Sargent's Grove on Section 27, and 28.  Lots were laid out for the church property on September 18, and construction was begun on October 6.

The first service held in the church was a funeral on June 24, 1887.  The first church service held, in the not quite completed church, had 110 people present on June 26, 1887. The church was formally dedicated on July 14, 1887.

The cellar wall was put under the building in September 1899.  The beautiful stained glass windows are a gift from H. F. Chaffee given in 1910.

The Lutherans first held church services in the building during June of 1937, less than a year after the Congregational Church had its 50th anniversary.  The Trinity Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod, was organized in the spring of 1938 in Amenia and was held in the Congregational Church by Reverend A. H. Grumm of Fargo.

In October, 1941, the Trinity Congregation purchased the Congregational Church and parsonage for $3,000.  Today the church building remains vacant.  (From:  Rural Cass County, the Land and People, by Cass County Historical Society, Inc., 1976). 
 

Congregational Church of Amenia Records  |  Religion

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Posted: 10/17/00