1868
Under the auspices of Reverend Asa S. Allen of Black Earth, who acted as moderator, these seven organized a church to be “denominated the first Congregational Church of Lone Rock:” Mr. David Hardenburg, Mrs. Maria Hardenburg, Miss Mary Gertrude Hardenburg, Mr. A. A. Aldrich, Mrs. William Craig, Mrs. Eliza Wallace and Mr. Horatio Giles became the character members of this church and thus, the first giant step in faith was taken by this church.
On April 12, 1868, the first service was held and Simon B. Loomis was the first pastor. Meetings were held in homes and in the school house. Pastors were paid $100 per year. Rules for the church discipline were to be found in Matthew 18:15-17.
1871
Simon Spyker is pastor.
1873
The church continued to grow. In May of 1873, a new church building was ready for public worship. A vote was taken at this time to have “Free Pews” in the new church. Land was purchased from William Craig for $70 and the total building cost was $1,259. Interesting: A document filed by the Congregational Building Society in 1873 stated that the village population consisted of: 20% Irish, 40% Norwegian and 40% American.
1874
Henry Pullen is pastor. An entry dated August 29, 1874 quoted that, ”…if expedient to hire a pastor in conjunction with Spring Green Church, we would pledge the sum of $80 for pastoral service.”
1875
Mr. Oscar S. Smith is hired as pastor.
1877
Mr. Simon B. Loomis is hired as pastor.
1878
On March 21, a vote was taken to unite with the Spring Green Society and have the pastor spend one-third of his time in Lone Rock. Results were: “Spring Green concluding they were not ready to unite with us and might not be for some time.” Interesting: In 1878, church records record the following line of business: "It was also agreed that, “saloon keepers not be asked to help in raising money for the Pastor’s ‘Salery’ for the coming year.”
1879
William Stoddart is hired as pastor.
1881
Eben Foster is hired as pastor.
1884
D. Ellis Evans is hired as pastor.
1886
A. Schofield is hired as pastor.
1888
D. Cochlin is hired as pastor.
1889
Ernest E. Day is hired as pastor. The Brown Church of Bear Valley was organized through the efforts of the Congregational Conference, and for many years was served jointly with the Lone Rock Church.
1892
A.L. McClelland is hired as pastor.
1894
D.L. Thomas is hired as pastor.
1896
August F. Fehlandt is hired as pastor. In 1896, ordination services were held in the Lone Rock Congregational Church for a Mrs. Harriet Williams to act as Pastor of the Bear Valley and Lone Rock churches. This has been the only woman pastor, to date, in the history of the church.
1897
Mrs. Harriet E. Williams is hired as pastor.
1899
T. Arthur Porter is hired as pastor.
Some interesting quotes form the clerks records were as follows:
- 1910: "Baptisms were held “by the water.”
- "A motion was held to hold a Sunday school picnic at Long Lake."
- 1911: Members are called “Brothers and Sisters.”
- "Meetings were held at 8:30 p.m. and often as late as 9:00 p.m."
- 1913: "Vote taken to unite with the Methodist people and hire one man to take charge of five churches including Lone Rock. Vote ended with 0 in favor and 11 against."
- 1916: "A person was asked not to take part in the services because his doctrine was contrary to the Word of God and the teaching of Christ."
1902
August F. Fehlandt is hired as pastor.
1903
In September of 1903, a meeting was held to appoint a committee to look into building a parsonage and to borrow $400 from the Congregational Building Society. Five members were appointed for this purpose and as a result, a parsonage was constructed next door to the church.
1905
E.O. Chapel is hired as pastor.
1906
Henry A. Miner is hired as pastor.
1907
Mrs. H.E. Williams is hired as pastor.
1910
Joseph C. Peters, Lic. is hired as pastor.
1912
Otto J. Scheibe is hired as pastor.
1914
Homer S. Vreeland is hired as pastor.
1916
W. H. Swan is hired as pastor.
1917
S.F. Peek, Lic. is hired as pastor.
1917
Discussions were held on whether to unite the Methodist church and the Congregational church.
1918
On November 11, 1918, a special meeting was called to order by a Dr. Carter of Madison in regards to uniting the Spring Green and Lone Rock churches. Both churches voted in favor of this and Reverend Walter Shilling was called to pastor the two churches. This was the beginning of a yoke ministry that would last until 1979.
1919
Walter E. Shilling is hired as pastor.
1923
Discussions were held again on whether to unite the Methodist church and the Congregational church.
1924
Charles Walker is hired as pastor.
1925
William Price, Lic. is hired as pastor. Discussions were held once again on whether to unite the Methodist church and the Congregational church.
1926
Discussions were held yet once more on whether to unite the Methodist church and the Congregational church. Finally, in 1926, both churches were united as one and were placed under the supervision of the Congregational Church.
The Methodist property, consisting of Lots 4 and 5 of Block 6, was deeded to the Congregational church. The Helping Hand Society paid $300 to the Methodist Conference for the same, and the name of the church was changed to Congregational Community Church at this time.
1927
L.E. Murphy, M.E. is hired as pastor.
1928
John Robertson is hired as pastor. In May of 1928, yet another big step in faith was taken when it was decided to rebuild one of the two churches and to sell the parsonage. After a thorough remodel, it was decided to sell the Methodist church and remodel the Congregational church for a cost of $4,200. A motion to sell the parsonage for $2,100 resulted in the money being used for remodeling.
In June of 1928, the Methodist church building was sold to the Lutheran church for $750. In November, a dedication service for the new Lone Rock Congregational Community Church was held. Remodeling work consisted of: adding sixteen feet to the length, raising the building then building a basement under it with a kitchen and dining room, installing a furnace and new, art-glass windows. “The church was beautifully decorated with ferns and potted plants, refinished floors and beautiful upholstered pews.”
1929
Howard M. Jones is hired as pastor.
1930
Stewart H. Smith is hired as pastor.
1934
William B-H O’Neill is hired as pastor.
1939
Robert F. Merritt is hired as pastor. In May of 1939, the last payment on the above remodeling project was made and a mortgage burning was held.
1943
On April 11, 1943, with Reverend Robert Merritt as pastor and several other ministers in attendance, the 75th anniversary of the church was observed. Well-filled baskets of food were brought in a for a potluck dinner.
1954
Harry Dorley is hired as pastor.
1955
The church basement was again remodeled in 1955, with the installation of a new oil furnace, two bath rooms, new cupboards, counter tops, installation of a new hot water heater and two electric ranges. And the sanctuary received a new, Baldwin organ.
1939
Robert F. Merritt is hired as pastor. In May of 1939, the last payment on the above remodeling project was made and a mortgage burning was held.
1943
On April 11, 1943, with Reverend Robert Merritt as pastor and several other ministers in attendance, the 75th anniversary of the church was observed. Well-filled baskets of food were brought in a for a potluck dinner.
1954
Harry Dorley is hired as pastor.
1955
The church basement was again remodeled in 1955, with the installation of a new oil furnace, two bath rooms, new cupboards, counter tops, installation of a new hot water heater and two electric ranges. And the sanctuary received a new, Baldwin organ.
1956
SERVICE GUILD: On February 23, 1956, a group of 12 women gathered at the Beverly Brander home and from this gathering, a women’s group was formed which they called the Junior Circle. The following women were the charter members of this group: Beverly Brander, Donna Jensen, Henrietta Lettman, Alma Bailey, Mildred Bristol, Charlotte Lytle, Marcella Price, Myrtle Webster, Beverly Dietzman, Shirley Sprecher, Ethel Richardson, Kathryn Lind, Mathilda Porter, Betty Nelson and Pauline Fisher.
This group was a very active group through the years and were involved in various fund raising projects like the purchase of choir robes, carpeting, recovered pews, and helping with redecorating the sanctuary and basement and many other countless projects. They also supported Jane White and her Korean Children's Home in Korea, and the Dave Brewers in Sask, Canada, as their mission projects.
In 1966, the group felt that Junior Circle was no longer an appropriate name and changed their name to The Service Guild. They felt this would be a chance to renew their efforts to be of further service to the church and to themselves. The Service Guild was responsible for the organization of the church’s Annual Chicken Supper which has been a tradition of this church for many years. The first mention of the Chicken Supper was in January, 1906. Prior to The Service Guild being organized, chicken suppers were put on by the capable hands of the Helping Hand Ladies. The Service Guild was a hard-working group with willing and capable hands and well-known as being excellent cooks!
1958
David Menchofer is hired as pastor. The 90th anniversary of the church was observed in 1958 with Reverend David Menchofer as our pastor.
1959
The following year, the sanctuary was redecorated. This included the removal of the front railing and replacing it with a new railing going straight across instead of at an angle. It also included the installation of new carpeting.
1960
Robert Vornholdt is hired as pastor.
1961
In 1961, a discussion on whether to merge with the Evangelical and Reform Church and be renamed to the United Church of Christ was held. Vote was taken and the decision was not to merge, but to remain a “continuing Congregational church.”
1964
Thomas Witzel is hired as pastor.
1965
In 1965, during the partnership of Reverend Tom Witzel, the church sponsored a Youth Center in Lone Rock, which was to be of service to all youths of all denominations. This continued in service for several years.
1966
Paul Ray is hired as pastor (pictured at left.)
1968
Jane White and the Chechon Children’s Home in Korea became the church’s mission field. New lights were installed in the sanctuary and continue to be a beautiful addition during worship. In May, the Centennial Services for the church were held with Reverend Paul Ray as our pastor. The membership has grown from the original seven people to 121! This was a very meaningful service with several older members who reminisced about years gone by.
1970-71
Yet another extensive remodeling project began 1970 and continued until 1971. This time, the entryway was altered by adding onto the front of the church, which also added more room in the basement while enclosing the steps. A pastor’s study was added, a cry room and new carpet was installed. This was possible, in part, because of a memorial given by Mrs. Addie Bills in the amount of $5,000. Dedication was in October of 1971 with Reverend Paul Ray as Pastor. The total cost of this renovation project was $6,400.
1973
David O’Brien is hired as pastor.
1974
The church purchased a new organ.
1975
The church voted to join the NACC (National Association of Congregational Churches.) In January of that year, land across from the church was purchased from the Wisconsin Power and Light (WP&L) Company for $250.
1979
Robert Warmouth is hired as pastor. In April of 1979, Clara Simonson deeded us additional land adjoining the lots purchased from WP&L. As one of the LRCC pastors once said, “without a vision the people perish,” (Pastor Leeds.) It seemed as if the church didn’t have a vision and that it was slowly fading away. Sometimes the Lone Rock church couldn’t afford its share of the 40 percent expenses due the Spring Green church.
Another giant “step of faith” took place: The yoke between the Lone Rock and Spring Green churches were severed--a relationship that had been in place for 61 years--and it hired its own minister. The votes resulted in 25, yes and 15, no. It was also voted to build a new parsonage with the church borrowing $20,000 to begin this endeavor. The parsonage was to be built on the land previously purchased from the WP&L.
By July of 1979, Lone Rock had hired a full-time pastor, Reverend Robert Warmouth. The new parsonage was ready for his occupancy in the fall of 1979 and in September of that year, one month after the arrival of our new minister, Claudette Warmouth, wife of Reverend Robert Warmouth passed away. It was a sad beginning for the church’s new venture, but one that would not hold it down--only with pulling together as members, and with God’s help did the church succeed independently in its first year.
Another step taken during 1979, against all odds, was the opening of a thrift shop, located in the same building that the old youth center had occupied many years before. It was a marvelous success--a good money-maker for the church. The project was overseen by Lorna Carswell, a woman totally dedicated to its success, and to all the women and men of the church who willingly volunteered many hours of work through the years. The Thrift Shop continued to serve us until it was destroyed by fire in 1988. It was yet another blessing we received from the Lord.
1980
New window coverings were installed to protect our beautiful and valuable stained glass windows.
1983
Gerald C. Meyer—Lay Minister (licensed as Minister of God by board) is hired as pastor. Denny Leeds is hired as pastor. Another “Big Landmark” took place in 1983 when we notified the NACC that we would no longer need to accept their financial aid which we had been receiving since our separation from Spring Green. In fact, we would begin repaying what we had received from them. Although this is unnecessary, we felt we would use this as part of our mission work.
1984
Pew cushions were recovered and refinished with help from the Service Guild. The average church attendance was 85 per Sunday. The parsonage was paid off and the mortgage burnt in June of 1984, a mere five years after the decision to build. Results of another step of faith.
1988
Reverend Creighton (Craig) Peach (shown at left) was hired as pastor.
1990-92
The kitchen was remodeled once again, with new counter tops; two new sinks, two new ranges and new flooring. The walls of the basement are now beautifully paneled as well and new siding was added in 1992.
1993
Our mission projects in 1993 included Steve and Cheryl Brewer, Jane White, Dave (former pastor) and Sheryl O’Brien and Mel Carlson.
On May 3, 1993, the celebration of the church’s 125th Anniversary.
For many years, our church has been truly blessed with great pastors—each one adding his best to this church. We have grown in the Lord, spiritually, as well as in number. The Lone Rock Community Congregational Church today is a pillar of the community. Its members thrive and grow in a warm, spiritual fellowship and are considered to be concerned, caring and full of compassion and love for fellow man. This can only be because we are led by the Lord and follow His bidding. He has truly blessed this congregation and all praise is His. We are grateful to Him and the many blessings He has given us.
Many dedicated people have unselfishly contributed in hundreds of ways to insure the “Big White Church on the corner” stays alive for future generations. A place to worship the Lord—may this ever be so—and if we, and those who follow, will continue to Love, Serve and Ask the Lord to supply all our needs . . . it will remain!
2018
Installation of a wheelchair accessible elevator connecting to the main level to the lower level.
2021-2023
The church basement underwent significant changes: Two stoves were replaced as well as the refrigerator. By the end of 2023, the kitchen lighting, plumbing and electric was upgraded and kitchen cabinets were replaced, as well.
The overhead projector screen was replaced by three television monitors placed around the sanctuary. The entire sound system was upgraded and set up for supporting a music team and choir.
2024
After over 30 years, Pastor Peach went home to be with the Lord on February 25.
Our kitchen was remodeled for the first time since 1990!
Major General Chaplain Cecil Richardson (USAF, Ret.) is appointed as acting Pastor.
On December 1, 2024, Rev. Jonathan Morris (shown at left) is hired as new church pastor.
Between October and December, 2024, the church parsonage is completely remodeled.
2025
At the January congregational meeting, the church voted to recognize the church's legal name as the Community Congregational Church of Lone Rock or CCC Lone Rock, vs. Lone Rock Community Congregational Church.
Cecil Richardson returns as our church's interim pastor.
God has been good to us and we continue to move forward into 2025 with new missions the Lord brings our way. We continue to step out in faith, and we continue to be blessed. Thank you, Lord.
