HISTORY
1896
On September 29th, following a service held in the church of the Evangelical Association, several Germanic families decided to organize an independent congregation. With a modest 11 charter members, our Evangelische Friedens congregation was born. Then, on November 18th with 34 members, it became official as the church was registered with the Wisconsin District of the Evangelical Synod of North America. During these early years, the congregation assembled in the Evangelical Association Church.
1895
1895
1898
The Young People’s Society was organized in January. Women from the church also become interested in forming a society which would be of assistance to the congregation. They organized the “Frauen Ferein”, or Woman’s Society, consisting of 18 charter members.
The sanctuary was completely renovated including the installation of electric lights, plumbing, heating and a garage was added.
1902
1903
Rev. Rolt Grunewald commenced Pastorate
Rev. Carl Nagel commenced Pastorate
1907
1908
Rev. C.H. Wittbracht commenced Pastorate
Rev. H. Ember commenced Pastorate
1910
1912
Rev. Hugo Weichelt commenced Pastorate
Rev. John Bizer commenced Pastorate
1916
1920
Rev. Foesch commenced Pastorate
Church membership had increased to 91 families, the Young People’s Society had 25 members and the choir had reached ten members. The “Frauen Ferein” boasted 40 members.Church services, confirmation rites, and all significant activities were conducted in German until the early 1920’s when services were then changed to all English. An exception to this was the last service of the month, conducted entirely in German, but soon also switched to English.
Rev. Wm. H. Leonhardt commenced Pastorate
1922
1926
Basement was excavated and the first furnace was installed.
Rev. G. Hahn commenced Pastorate
1929
1930
Rev. Paul Kasper commenced Pastorate
Rev. K. Kielhorn commenced Pastorate
1934
1936
Rev. John G. Siegle commenced Pastorate
Rev. E. Dilman Rodel commenced Pastorate
1942
1945
The 50th anniversary was celebrated in September. During this time, the name of the Church was Freidens Evangelical and Reformed Church. This celebration included three well attended services, including former pastors and member who had moved away from Brillion.
Rev. Marvin P. Lehman commenced Pastorate
1946
1948
A new Hammond organ was contributed.
Rev. Ralph W. Kluge commenced Pastorate
1950
1957
Rev. Ralph J. Ratzloff (Student) commenced Pastorate
New carpeting and sidewalks were installed.
Rev. Lloyd D. Fried commenced Pastorate
1959
1964
Rev. Karl Koehler commenced Pastorate
Rev. T. F. Heilgeman commenced Pastorate
1965
1967
A completely new front entrance was constructed. The church changed its name we now know as Peace United Church of Christ.
Our 75th anniversary and was celebrated on November 22nd with two services and a special dinner. There was a booklet created and published for the event that contained many interesting pictures of various church organizations and all of its members. During this year, the basement was also completely renovated.
1970
1972
Rev. H. Kehle commenced Pastorate
After 80 years, the beloved church began to deteriorate with age and continued renovation was not economically feasible. Approximately eight acres of land was purchased at the corner of Glenview Avenue and Hillview Drive which would provide for ample parking and would also offer space for future expansion.
1973
1977
During a special meeting on March 20th, members decided to erect a sanctuary on the new site. Then on December 18th, the new plans were accepted.
The Building Committee and Finance Committee’s were appointed in 1978. Construction of the new hexagonal brick church began in August of 1978
1978
1979
The cornerstone was placed on April 29 during a special ceremony. Dedication services took place on September 23rd.
Rev. Roger Mealiff commenced Pastorate
In March, a construction company removed the steeple of the old church so that original bells could be retrieved and were placed into storage. The old building was purchased by a local family and was converted into several apartments aptly named “The Divine Apartments”.
1981
1985
Rev. Joseph E. Mills III commenced Pastorate
90th anniversary was celebrated.
Construction and dedications of bell tower using the original bells from 1896.
1986
1995
Rev. Susan R. Stull commenced Pastorate.
100th anniversary was celebrated.
Rev. Cathy Rennick commenced Pastorate
Construction of pastoral office, library and education rooms begins.
2002
2005
Addition is dedicated and use of the facility begins.
Rev. Kris Borns commenced Pastorate
2010
2017
Women’s Guild officially disbanded due to lack of membership.
Rev. Tom Williams commenced Interim Pastorate
Peace UCC makes difficult decision to look for a Part-Time Pastor. We begin a trial Shared Ministry with First Congregational UCC in De Pere, WI, with new Pastor serving each congregation half-time. Pastor Nancy Zorn Micke commenced Pastorate.
2018
2020
Peace closes to indoor services due to COVID-19 Pandemic. Services begin online streaming and holding outdoor services in our gazebo, and on local radio in your car in the parking lot.
A new metal roof is installed on our building.
We celebrate 125th Anniversary.
Pastor Beverly Davis commenced Interim Pastorate.
2021
2022
First Congregational UCC closes, and we end the Shared Ministry.
Dianne Deroster commenced Interim Pastorate through August, and Pastor Nancy Zorn Micke commenced Interim Pastorate in September.
Peace begins a unique Shared ministry with Bethel UMC in Kiel, WI, who are part of the United Methodist Church.
Pastor Wendy A Witt commences Pastorate.
2024
Rev. E.J. Fleer commenced Pastorate
In April it was decided to build a facility and grow the parsonage. The building site, on the corner of Custer and Market Streets was purchased from $300. Two bells were also purchased at a cost of $385 and an organ for $51.50. The new church, now boasted 60 members was dedicated on September 13th.