History
1880s
The town of Sheridan was incorporated in 1884 with a population of 200. It was to this frontier settlement that the
Congregational Missionary Society sent Rev. Herbert E. Probert, who began holding services in Sheridan on September
21, 1884.
1890s
Rev. Samuel Jennings homesteaded near Big Horn, WY, and was pastor of the church there for several years.
In December, 1890, he moved from Big Horn to Sheridan and organized the First Congregational Church of Sheridan on
Wednesday evening, February 4, 1891. There were 12 charter members.
In August of that year, the trustees bought a lot on the southwest corner of Burkitt and Main Streets and the foundation
of a church building was begun. This same month the Women's Circle was formed.
In December of 1891, Rev. Jennings departed to go to a church in Idaho, and in March 1892, Rev. Elmer Bostwick
arrived to preach his first sermon. The congregation was still holding services in the Methodist Church building at this
time. The church building was completed and the dedication was held in October 1892. The building cost $2,000. A
church bell was given in memory of Florence Lewis and is still in use.
1900s
Rev. Bostwick left in 1895 and there were five ministers that served the church until 1902. Rev. Theodore C. Williams
came in 1902 and during his pastorate the church became self-supporting. The Home Missionary Society had given
$3,800 in aid between 1884 and 1900.
In 1902, the lot on Main and Burkitt Streets was sold to the county and another was bought on the corner of Brooks and
Works Streets. The church building was moved to this location. Rev. Williams resigned in the summer of 1905. At this
time there were 120 members and 113 in the Sunday School.
Several short pastorates followed and then Rev. G. Albert Trout began services on August 22, 1909. There were two
Women's Circles now and a Congregational Brotherhood was organized in 1910 with 33 members. The church
membership was now 157.
1910s
On April 28, 1910, a special meeting was called to consider building a new church. The architect's plans were accepted in
November and on May 29, 1911, it was voted to build the church. Records of the Church Building Society give the
complete cost of the building as $35,000. Six hundred dollars of that went for the stained glass windows. The cost of the
seats and pulpit furniture was another $1,200 and $1,000 for the carpet. The Semi-Circle assumed the responsibility of
paying for the pipe organ at $7,000. A gift of $1,500 from Andrew Carnegie was given for the organ fund.
Rev. Trout left in January, 1912. Chaplain John T. Axton, stationed at Fort Mackenzie, donated his services until a
pastor could be found. In April, a Boy Scout troop of 36 boys was organized, and in June, the Camp Fire Girls were
organized. This same year the old Church building was sold for $400 and moved to East Brundage St. The new church
building was completed and dedicated during the week of November 3-10, 1912.
Rev. John H. Andress began his pastorate on Easter Sunday, March 23, 1913. During his years as pastor, many efforts
were made to reduce the debt including home talent plays and many money raising events by the Women's Circles.
Rev. Andress left in 1916 and was followed by Rev. C.F. Fisher. The heating system of the church improved when the
Semi-Circle women paid $475 for a larger boiler. A men's gymnasium class was organized. Equipment was purchased and
classes were held in the church basement.
Rev. Raymond B. Walker came on October 8, 1919. He advocated an aggressive policy - increased the church
membership and extended its influence to people in Dayton and Big Horn. The parsonage at 215 Coffeen Ave. was
purchased for $6,800.
1920s
A new constitution was adopted which provided for members to take a more active part in managing church affairs.
The 1920 budget of $6,810 was over subscribed by $500. Church membership grew to 230 by 1922. In September of
that year, Rev. Walker received a call to the First Congregational Church of Billings, Montana.
1930s
Two other ministers served the church before Rev. Horace Mann began his pastorate on February 15, 1930. Because of
the nationwide depression, salaries for pastor, organist and janitor were reduced. In 1931 nothing was paid on the church
debt. In 1933, the church received $350 in aid from the Missionary Society.
Rev. Mann presented his resignation in December, 1932, but the church took no action, and he was asked to continue as
pastor. Finally, on October 29, 1933 he submitted his resignation again due to ill health and it was accepted.
Rev. Harry W. Johnson, assistant superintendent of the Intermountain Conference, acted as pastor until Rev. Samuel R.
McCarthy began his services on April 8, 1934.
The 50th anniversary of the arrival of Congregational Missionaries in this locality was observed October 7, 1934. The
constitution was amended to provide for a Church Council.
1940s
The Mayflower Club was organized on February 12, 1941.
In 1942, the total church debt had been reduced to $2,777,13. After serving as pastor for more than 8 years, Dr.
McCarthy resigned August 9, 1942. The church was without a pastor for 8 months, but the Sunday School and other
organizations continued to function as usual.
Rev. Harry B. Gordon began as pastor in April 1943. Attendance at church services increased and the membership grew
to 300. Extensive repairs were made on both the parsonage and the church. The heating systems were converted to use
natural gas instead of coal. Rev. Gordon held Sunday afternoon services and the Community Congregational Church in
Dayton as was done by his successors.
On May 2, 1943, he started publication of a church newsletter which has continued as the church's regular means of
communication. The name THE TOWER and the line drawing made by Orman Pratt came to be used in March 1944.
Mrs. Gordon organized the Women's Association in 1943, the name being changed to the Women's Fellowship in 1948.
Many issues of THE TOWER reported letters and activities of service men and women during the war years. In October
1944, clothing was collected to send overseas amounting to 455 pounds.
Rev. Gordon founded the Radio Sunday School in September 1944 for junior age children who lived in rural areas. This
lasted until 1946.
In April 1944 the debt of $722.83 on the parsonage was paid in full, and in April 1945 the debt of $1,622.83 on the
church was paid in full. At the church supper meeting June 29, 1945, a mortgage burning ceremony was held.
It mst be recorded and acknowledged that the Congregational Church Building Society still holds a total grant mortgage in
the principle amount of $5,606.28 on which no payment of principle or interest are required as long as the Church
continues in the Congregational fellowship. This is true for 100 years. The mortgage must be paid in full by the year
2044.
In 1946, the Wyoming Conference of Congregational Churches met in Sheridan. Rev. Gordon left the church September
1, 1947 and Rev. Frank Tishkins came on November 9, 1947. At a special meeting of the church, March 19, 1948, the
members voted unanimously against the proposed union of the Congregational Christian Churches and the Evangelical
and Reformed Church.
The church's records were up-dated and showed a membership of 348 and 123 in the Sunday School. A Church
Improvement Fund was started and from it the kitchen was made over, a new carpet was laid in the parlor and
improvements were made in the sanctuary. New red robes with white stoles were made for the adult choir, and white
robes for the junior choir.
Other additions to furnishings and improvements are noteworthy. Steel folding chairs replaced wooden chairs. The
stained glass windows were repaired.
1950s
Brooks Street was paved in October 1950, and the cost of $1,399.31 was paid promptly. New hymnals were given to the
church by Mrs. George H. Thomas and Mrs. G.H. Buffum as memorial gifts. The Tower Club, for young married couples,
was organized in January 1950.
The 60th Anniversary of the church was celebrated on February 4, 1951. A Men's Club was started in May that year.
Rev. Tishkins left Sheridan for another pastorate in June, and Rev. E. Linwood Brandis preached his first sermon here on
September 2, 1951.
In December 1952 church members met with John R. Scotford, architect, to discuss beautification of the church. This
resulted in remodeling the church chancel, and laying red carpet in the center aisle. A lighted bulletin board was installed
near the front doors of the church as a memorial to Archibald MacCarty. New folding tables were purchased to replace
the old wooden ones. The Memorial Fund was started in November 1952.
Announcement was made that the United Church of Christ would be formed on June 25, 1957 as a union of
Congregational Christian Churches and the Evangelical and Reformed Church. The Sheridan church had voted against the
proposal of this union on March 19, 1948. However, Rev. Brandis was in favor of the merger. Two meetings were held
on March 21 and May 9, 1956 to discuss the Union which would form the United Church of Christ.
Rev. Brandis submitted his resignation on April 14, 1956, to be effective in 30 days. He accepted the position of
Chaplain at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Sheridan where he had been serving as assistant chaplain for several
years.
Wolfgang Hoehne, a German exchange student at Chicago Theological Seminary, served as summer pastor from June to
August. Rev. Donald M. Cassiday began holding services on March 24, 1957.
The church building was further improved. A new lighting system was installed in the sanctuary. Acoustical tile was put
on the ceiling of the fellowship room in the basement. A coffee hour after the Sunday morning service was initiated, to
provide a time for getting acquainted and fellowship.
The Wyoming Conference of Congregational Churches held its annual meeting at Sheridan, May 11-13, 1958.
The Community Church of Dayton called a pastor for itself beginning October 1, 1959. This ended 28 years of being
yoked with the Sheridan Church - from 1931 to 1959.
1960s
Scrooby Guild was organized in 1960 and later became Scrooby Circle and then disbanded in 1969.
Ballots were sent out to all church members to vote on affiliation with the United Church of Christ. At a special meeting
called for February 24, 1961, the votes were counted: for affiliation 119; against 76. Rev. Cassiday concluded his
ministry with the church on April 3, 1961.
Dr. Frank E. Carlson was called from his retirement to serve as interim pastor of the church. There was much unrest at
this time which resulted from dissidence over the majority vote in favor of the United Church of Christ.
Dr. John A. Abel came to be pastor of the church on August 15, 1961. A civil action was filed against the church on
August 16, 1961 seeking to invalidate the vote of the church on February 27, 1961. Judge J.O. Spangler of the District
Court gave a decision in favor of the church on October 9, 1962. About 40 members formally withdrew from the church
at this time, taking this action of their own accord.
Church and parsonage again received needed repair and maintenance. New carpet was laid in the sanctuary, over a new
sub-floor. The concrete steps to the church were rebuilt. The interior of the parsonage was put in good shape in 1961
and the exterior of the church and parsonage were painted in 1965. The choir loft was remodeled by Fay Couch and new
pews for it were purchased with Leonard Hagemann Memorial money.
Dr. Abel's 30th anniversary of ordination was observed with an Open House at the parsonage on February 7, 1965.
Membership for the church at the close of this year was 235.
The Plymouth Circle had the first Holiday Tasting Tea in December. The teas proved so successful, they were continued
until 1980.
The church's 75th anniversary was observed with a banquet at the Sheridan Center with UCC President, Dr. Ben M.
Herbster, as the speaker on February 6, 1966.
A successful Vacation Bible School was held the first week of June with 8 leaders and 32 pupils. A "Welcome Home"
dinner was held for Mrs. Eleanor Tishkins after her 10 years of missionary work in India.
In 1967, the church finances were in good order. The Women's Fellowship was active with many missionary projects.
The Sisal Fiber products were a continuing source of missionary involvement. There were four active women's circles,
and both Sr. and Jr. Fellowship groups. Thirteen members joined the church and there were eight baptisms.
In May 1968, Mr. James Gillis retired as church janitor after many years of service. An exhibit of excavated artifacts
from Palestine was on display in the parlor in April and May. This was on loan from the Pacific School of Religion,
Berkeley, California. The customary dinner for graduating seniors and their parents was held. It was the last one.
Dr. Abel left the church in March 1968 and Chaplain Verne A. Robinson served as the interim minister until Rev.
William Ebertz arrived in the Fall. There were 228 resident members as of December 1968 and the church school had an
attendance of 50 pupils with 14 workers. On October 23, a Harvest Dinner was held to welcome Rev. and Mrs. Ebertz
and Roger.
The following year a new sidewalk was installed on the north side of the church and a new parking area was built on the
west side. This was done with volunteer labor and cash contributions.
1970s
During 1970, the Sisal Bags continued to be sold, and other missionary work continued to be active. A Hawaiian Concert
was presented by the Kamahameha High School on July 11, 1970, with over 400 in attendance. A loudspeaker system
was installed in the sanctuary and a hand railing was placed beside the stairs leading to the kitchen. Our church
participated in the Northern Wyoming Crusade for Christ put on by Billy Graham Associates. Resident membership for
this year was 240.
The Wyoming State Association of the UCC was held in our church in September 1971. The Women's Fellowship was
hostess for the event.
An after church Coffee Hour was held in May to honor our graduating seniors. Attendance for the church service was not
gaining in numbers.
The next year hand rails were installed in the north and south stair wells to the basement by Fay Couch. A new section of
sidewalk was put in from the church back door to Brooks Street using Robert Kinney Memorial funds with Mrs. Kinney
assuming the remainder of the expense. Joint summer services with the Presbyterian Church were held. Fay Couch
resigned as choir director and Paul Lundquist took on that responsibility along with being organist. There were only three
circles now.
In 1973, a committee was appointed to explore the possibilities of uniting with the Presbyterian Church. A joint church
school was begun with them. Plymouth Circle purchased carpet for the Parlor and the Minister's office. The Women's
Fellowship dissolved due to lack of available leadership, but the three circles remained active.
The church voted to be a part of the Montana UCC Conference in April 1974. Rev. Ebertz announced his retirement to
take effect June 30, 1974. His death on August 2, 1974, was a great shock to all. Chaplain Verne A. Robinson served a
second time as interim minister until Rev. David Brown assumed his duties on December 1.
Three Lenten study groups were active in 1975 with 30 people involved. With the Methodist and Presbyterian Churches,
we sponsored the Rocky Mountain College performance of "Godspell". A men's volleyball team was formed that played
at the YMCA. Storm windows were put on the parsonage. The organ chimes were dedicated as a memorial to Rev.
Ebertz.
The following year, furnishings for the parlor were acquired - couch, tables and lamps, and the dining table. These were
provided by the Plymouth Circle and the Sherman Lang Memorial fund. The buffet was given earlier by the Baird
Janneys. New altar paraments and choir robes were acquired. The outside of the church was painted and also, the
sanctuary. Many participated in the recognition of Verne Robinson's 25th anniversary of ordination. The Conference
name was changed to Montana-Northern Wyoming Conference of the United Church of Christ.
The renovation of the historic Hutchings Pipe Organ was the big event of 1977 and cost $9,200. In October, a Concert
and Hymn Festival, to enjoy the restored organ, was presented by Paul Lundquist, organist. A revision of the By-Laws
was done since the last revision was made in 1954. The Chancel Hanging Cross was given in memory of Jerry Wantulok,
and the church library was started by Myrtle Hartwig as a memorial to her husband. The Sunday School and choir were
growing and a Youth Group was started. The Board of Christian Education sponsored a Christmas family and there was an
Easter Breakfast to benefit the Organ Fund. Metal hand rails were placed on the outside steps at the Brooks Street corner
door. Exchange worship services with the Christian Church were started.
The next year Paul Lundquist resigned as organist. Support for Roger and Susan Ebertz continued. The Church School
Christmas program was incorporated in the morning worship service. Insulation was put in the attic of the church.
Painting the parsonage was needed again in 1972 and also the west Sunday School Room. Mrs. Margaret Mayer willed her
home to the church which was a very welcome gift. The restrooms were renovated by the Mayflower Circle, and we
hosted the Fall Yellowstone Association Meeting. The stained glass windows were repaired. We shared our church
building with the Presbyterians for 11 months while their new church was being built. A men's Bible study breakfast was
started and also an Adult Fellowship. Cathy Calkins was organist and choir director. The youth group was active; they
painted their Sunday School classroom, did child care, put on a youth service and hosted a coffee hour.
1980s
Robert Calkins shared in the life of the church as an interim pastor for 6 months in 1980. The church rolls were revised.
Four members were delivering Meals on Wheels regularly. The Highway Department widened Coffeen Ave. and planted
new trees at the parsonage. Lisa Robinson became the organist for the summer and fall and Fay Couch again was choir
director. The Yellowstone Assocaiation Fall Youth Retreat was held at our church and 85 attneded. Resident membership
at the end of this year was 195.
The next year the church had three janitors, three organists and two choir directors. The 90th Anniversary of the church
was celebrated in February with a banquet at the Sheridan Center. A lovely banner was designed by George Gligorea and
fabricated by Katherine Edwards. On April 12, Fern Ebertz was commissioned to be a missionary at Dansalan College,
Philippines, for one year. The Pony Express was used for the Stewardship Drive and it proved very successful. The
church boards and committees all met on the same evening with the Church Council meeting afterwards. There was talk
about constructing a ramp into our building. The church voted to give 10% of the money from the sale of the Mayer
house to missions. This amounted to $5,450. Jarrett Lange became the organist in the fall with Tina Stopka as choir
director. The minister requested a vote of confidence by mail and Rev. Brown received that vote. New carpet was laid in
the chancel.
There is recurring mention of repairs and improvements made at the church and parsonage over the years. Mayflower
Circle did a major renovation of the kitchen and Mrs. Emma Ludwig gave the money to purchase a new refrigerator.
Fern Ebertz returned this summer and gave many fine talks about her experiences in the Philippines. A confirmation
class was held and five youth joined the church. A Minister-Deacon visitation program was started, taking communion to
shut-ins. Bibles were placed in the pews. Talks were continuing with the Christian Church concerning a merger of the two
congregations.
Whether to keep repairing the parsonage or sell it was a real question in 1983. The decision was to keep it, and new
linoleum was laid in the kitchen and bathroom. Summer services were held on Thursday evenings to accommodate those
who would be out-of-town on the weekend. Also, a Tuesday School was held with the Methodist Church to replace Sunday
School in the summer. Thirty boxes of books (433 books) were sent to Zimbabwe for the United Church Board for World
Ministries.
The big event for 1984 was our church sharing with the Buffalo church in the hosting of the Montana-Northern
Wyoming Conference on their 100th Anniversary June 8-10. A Sweetheart Sunday celebrated all those members over
the age of 80. A Prayer Chain was set in motion. A new speaker system was installed in the church. (No radio station
comes over this one!)
In 1985 there were new By-Laws written, new bellows for the organ, a new photocopy machine to replace the old
Gestetner Mimeograph, and a new telephone answering machine. The Youth Group went to the Black Hills to see the
Passion Play. Fern Ebertz was honored as a "Laywoman of the Year" at the General Synod, and in October we gave her a
farewell dinner as she was moving to California.
In July of the next year, David Brown submitted his resignation, and left at the end of September. Rev. Jim Jensen came
to be the interim minister. Steel siding was put on the parsonage in July and a programable thermostat was installed in the
sanctuary. A baptismal font was dedicated to the memory of Jack Mullinax. Pilgrim Circle disbanded and the few
members joined other circles. It is believed that Pilgrim Circle evolved from the original Women's Circle organized in
1891.
Rev. Ed Thurmond began his ministry in August 1987. He came as a seminary graduate and in March went to Kellogg,
Idaho, his home church, to be ordained. There was an Installation Service for him at our church on April 10, 1988. A
commercial dishwasher, a memorial to Roberta Wilkes, was installed in the kitchen. The Youth Group started again with
Jarret Lange as advisor. Monthly birthday parties after church were started to raise money to improve our building.
An early church service was held at the time of Sunday School for the parents of the children. A committee was
appointed to update the By-Laws. A gift of $12,000 from the Marie Kinney estate has helped the church finances.
Monthly picnics and worship services at country locations were held during the summer. More discussion about having a
ramp built for handicap access was heard.
In 1989, a Centennial Steering Committee was formed. Dennis Kautzman was the choir director and Gary Bowers the
new organist. Special summer services were held with the Buffalo church and the two Hardin churches. A Men's
Fellowship was formed. A combined Youth Group with the Methodist and First Christian Churches was tried. In
September, Rev. Thurmond bought his own home and the parsonage was rented. A Pastoral Relations Committee was
added to the By-Laws. Plymouth Circle made and hung a Spring banner in the church. A TV and VCR were purchased for
the church from the Etta Tipton and Mary Jane Tate Memorial funds. The church tower louvers were sanded and
painted. A flannel board kit was purchased for the Sunday School which depicts 158 Bible stories.
1990-1991
The Centennial Committee was selling paper napkins and note cards with a picture of the church tower on them to raise
money. They also had commemorative plates and small Christmas ornaments with a picture of the church on them.
Wilbur Pool and Verne Robinson saw a way to construct a ramp in our building and proceeded to go to work on it in
March 1990. Many others joined in with their special expertise and the job was done on May 24, 1990. "No more just
talking about it" was the comment heard. With the ramp in place against the north wall of the Fellowship Hall, the
women came forth with the idea of painting the large room and also the room off the kitchen. That done, with money
from the Memorial Fund, the two rooms were carpeted. This was a "many people" project and all are enjoying using it.
A very welcome anonymous gift of $12,000 was received and invested. Resident membership for 1990 was 115.
In February 1991 we were ready to start celebrating our 100 years. We had a birthday party and Rev. Tom Hunter from
Washington led the entertainment. Afterwards, cake and ice cream were served to all downstairs. A banquet at the
Golden Steer Restaurant followed the church service the next day. Other Centennial observances were the Rocky
Mountain College Choir Concert in April, and in the Rodeo Parade a large cardboard birthday cake rode on Harry
Williams's 1964 Buick.
Late 1990s - 2000s
A comprehensive history of our church during the late 1990s and the current decade is currently being assembled
and is unavailable at the moment.
The information presented on this page was compiled by Helen Graham and Mary Robinson
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