Community Church of Vincennes History
Community Church of Vincennes is the result of a merger of three United Methodist Churches - North, Trinity, and Wabash. These three churches began discussions in 1990 to combine their efforts and form a new congregation.
Our vision was to have a church filled with energy and excitement, which would serve all of Knox County, and be a "seven day a week" church. The pastors at the time of the merger were: Amy Artis at Trinity, Randy Jungkurth at North, and Ray Tromley at Wabash.
On September 15, 1991, we voted to dissolve our congregations and form a new church. We chose the name "Community United Methodist Church" to emphasize our vision of a congregation which would be open to the community. The first worship service was held at the former North UMC facility on January 3, 1992. A new pastor, George Plasterer, was appointed to the congregation in June of 1992.
The Vincennes Community United Methodist Church came into being as a result of the merger of the North UMC, Trinity UMC, and Wabash UMC. (For the full story on this please scroll down.) From our first worship service in the new church building, March 26, 1995, until December 1, 2022 this is who we were. When this merger happened, no one would ever have thought that an even bigger change was in store for the church. A new season and a new name . . . Community Church of Vincennes.
A New Season- A New Name
On December 1, 2022 we disaffiliated from the UMC and became a member of the newly formed Global Methodist Church. From at least 2016 to 2022 (although the presenting issues went back as far as 1974) there was much controversy astir within the UMC denomination. Many in the Council of Bishops, their respective cabinets, and elders within the UMC were making concerted efforts to change the Book of Discipline to allow same sex marriages as well as ordination of those in same sex relationships.
There were those pastors and bishops, in defiance of their ordination vows, rulings of the judicial council, the mandates of scripture, and the majority vote of the special General Conference of 2019, who performed same sex marriages as well as conferences electing to the office of bishop those who were openly in same sex relationships.
In early 2022 churches throughout the denomination began disaffiliating from the UMC (there were some that did so even earlier) as they felt this was no longer a denomination that held the same scriptural values as it once had. Sadly as well, our Bishops and denominational leaders were unwilling to hold accountable those who were openly defying Scripture and the Book of Discipline.
We too, here at Community, also felt the UMC no longer held to the scriptural values we hold dear, even as it once did. This sense of separation in values was evidenced by a good deal of attendance loss over a 10-15 year span leading up to our disaffiliation. Members and attenders alike found new places of worship due mostly to the denomination ignoring scriptural authority. It was very clear it was time for us to make a decision.
In 2020 we began seriously looking into what the UMC was supporting and becoming. We officially entered into a discernment process in 2021. Following much prayer, research, and discussion we voted (90% in favor) on Sept 11, 2022 to disaffiliate from the UMC and join the Global Methodist Church. Our vote was ratified by the Indiana UMC annual conference on November 19, 2022 and we were accepted by the Global Methodist Church on December 1, 2022.
To mark this momentous change in the church we also voted to change the name of the church to Community Church of Vincennes.
Our goal is to continue being a vital part of our community by openly sharing of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in every way we can. We continue to be an active part of the community by supporting local missions and helping to meet the needs of those around us. Likewise we want to be of service to those in our country and around the world.
Our mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ who worship passionately, love extravagantly, and witness boldly.
(From left to right) Back Row: Ray Tromley, Jack Chattin, Ed Kirk, Mike Anderson, & Bob Warren. Center Row: Bob Dean & Tom Fausnacht. Front Row: Maxine Dean, Rev. George Plasterer, Ruth Warren, Warren Oglesby, John Bobe, & Larry Donovan (archtect).
We had a vision of building a new facility.
That need was quickly apparent when, in a sanctuary of 250, we averaged 255, 243 and 269. Sunday School was also bursting at the seams with 172, 160 and 158. The land on which the new Community church is now built was sold to the South Indiana Conference by members of the church and then given to the congregation.
We formed a building committee, which visited other churches, and worked with various departments of the church to research the needs. A design was chosen on May 16, 1993 at a church conference. The ground-breaking service was held on April 10, 1994 and our first worship service at 2980 Hart Street was held on March 26, 1995 with 485 in worship and 264 in Sunday School.
Pastors Who Served Vincennes Community UMC . . .
Rev. Darren Williams Pastor 12/01/2022 – present
Rev. Darren Williams Pastor 07/01/2020 – 12/01/2022
Rev. Stacy Downing Pastor 07/01/2017 – 06/30/2020
Rev. Cheryl P. Garbe Pastor 08/01/2010 – 06/30/2017
Rev. Mary Rebekah Ward Associate Pastor 07/01/2014 – 02/14/2016
Rev. Valarie E. Foughty-Killion Pastor 07/01/2008 – 07/01/2010
Rev. Andrew D. Kinsey Pastor 03/26/1998 – 07/01/2008
Rev. Dennis Kenneth Hill Associate Pastor 06/01/2000 – 06/01/2003
Rev. George Plasterer Pastor 06/01/1992 – 03/26/1998
Pastors Who Served Community Church of Vincennes . . .
Moving Forward . . .
Our history shows that we are a congregation with vision that looks to the future. The merger of congregations and the building of a new church facility came about because of prayer and the willingness of believers to faithfully look to the future while drawing on the power of God and the faith and determination of those who came before us.
As we move forward in hope and envision God’s will, and whatever new changes may come our way, we will continue building on the spiritual heritage God has blessed us with. It is our desire to continue to grow in faith, sharing the Gospel in every way possible; to fulfill God’s will for our congregation and the ministry God has called us to in the surrounding communities and throughout world.
For a more in-depth view of our history and the faithful believers who pioneered the founding of the three original churches please read on . . .
History of North United Methodist Church
Methodist came to Vincennes as early as 1808.
In 1878 the First Methodist Church purchased a lot on Park Street and a small frame building was erected to be used as a Mission Project. The Mission Project grew and in 1900 a youth group, the Epworth League, was formed. Much interest was developed by the young people in this newly formed group.
1902 - The Southern Indiana conference accepted the Mission as a church and given the name of Park Street Methodist Church. It was on a circuit with Trinity Church.
1905 - The location on First and Sycamore Streets was acquired and a cornerstone was laid April 21, 1905.
1912 - The church was re-named Second Methodist Episcopal Church. The frame constructed building served the congregation until the addition of a new wing in 1938.
1933 - The Standard Bearers youth group was formed under the direction of Mrs. C.P. Kert.
1940 - The Rev. E.A. Gillum started broadcasting the Sunday evening worship service on radio station WAOV.
1941-1945 - During World War I, 70 young men from this church were in service of our country.
1943 - The first Hammond Electric Organ was purchased from the funds raised and from the Blessing Box. Bishop Richard Raines broke ground for a proposed Educational and Recreational building.
1949 - Nov. 23, 1949. The educational and recreational project was completed and a congregational Thanksgiving turkey dinner was enjoyed.
1955 - The 50th anniversary of the North United Methodist Church was celebrated.
1973 - Nearby properties were purchased for a parking lot.
1974 - Soon after the lots were purchased, it became necessary to build a new parsonage on these lots. Rev. and Mrs. E.J. Wright and family were the first occupants.
1989 - Due to expansion of Vincennes University, it was necessary to build a new parsonage in the Fox Ridge Development. Rev. and Mrs. Jungkurth and family were the first occupants.
1990 - Calvin Brandenburg, district superintendent, proposed a merger of Trinity and Wabash with North United Methodist church. After several meetings, a vote was taken and the proposed merger was accepted.
1992 - Jan. 5, 1992 the first worship service of the three churches occurred. Members were asked to vote on a new name for the merged churches. At this time a vote was taken and the church renamed to Community United Methodist Church. Dr. Calvin Brandenburg presented a certificate recognizing the group as a United Methodist congregation.
Pastors Who Served North UMC . . .
Rev. Aaron Turner 1878
Rev. W.H. Grimm ?
Rev. A.O. Wilker ?
Rev. B.E. Ketchum ?
Rev. H.H. Murlin ?
Rev. E.R. Vest 1896
Rev. H.D. Robinson 1902
Rev. Ray Ragsdale 1903
Rev. G. Carl St.Clair 1904
Rev, George Bennett 1905
Rev. John R. Stelle 1910
Rev. L.W. Dorsey 1914
Rev. John Asher 1916
Rev. George Holmes 1917
Rev. Ralph C. Allen ?
Rev. John Nash 1919
Rev. C.H. Fritche 1920
Rev. O. Morin 1923
Rev. Boyd Tyron 1925
Rev. A. M. Brown 1927
Rev. E.J. Weiss 1932
Rev. C.P, Hert 1933
Rev. Lester Abel 1936
Rev. E.A. Gillum 1939
Rev. C.F. Ault 1941
Rev. Frank Little 1942
Rev. Duane Thistlethwaite 1952
Rev. William Ellis 1954
Dr. Charles Whitman 1954
Rev. Alda I. Carter 1955
Rev. K.L. Thompson 1958
Rev. A.W. Stoneburner 1959
Rev. George Skaggs 1963
Rev. Dale Miller 1964
Rev. Ellis Hukill 1969
Rev. Everett Wright 1973
Rev. Marvin Roeder 1978
Rev. Scott Stephans 1984
Rev. Randy Jungkurth 1988
History of Trinity United Methodist Church
The history of Trinity Church dates back to the original settlement of the wilderness country.
The pioneer families built a log church called either "Thorn's Chapel" or simply the "Meetin' House." Through the 1860's and 1870's the Methodists held their services in this log church. The seats on the men's side of the church were made of slabs of log with wooden pegs fitted in for legs. The ladies' seats had a board added as a back rest.
During the 1870's Rev. Willis was a regular preacher at Thorn's Chapel. He traveled by horse to his other charges, and under his ministry successful revival meetings were held. In the grove around the church, Sunday School picnics were an annual affair. The log church served as a house of worship and a place for holding public gatherings, hence the name, "Meetin' House."
When the log church was abandoned, the services were held in what was then called Thorn's School, afterwards known as No. 6 of Johnson Twp. At this time preaching services were held Saturday night and Sunday morning. Later the minister came once a month and then they were left without a minister for a time.
The faithful Methodist continued in their religious efforts by holding Sunday School at the No. 9 school of Johnson Township.
About 1885 the congregation found a minister and worshiped in the Thorn School House. A young man named C.S. Racey came next, and through him God revived his people. As a result of that awakening, plans were made for the building of Barekman Chapel.
Barekman Chapel was the name given the church since Mr. Isac Barekman donated the land for the new building. This was located a few hundred feet west and across the road from the present Trinity Church. The new frame building was erected and furnished with nice seats and pulpit by members and friends of the church.
Ten years after the dedication of Barekman Chapel, the church was destroyed by fire, and the congregation was faced with building again. They met temporarily in Thorn's School again and plans were made during the pastorate of Rev. Shields for the building of Trinity Church.
Ed Price suggested the name "Trinity" for the new church. It cost $3000. Trinity Church was dedicated in September of 1902. Rev. Willis, former pastor from the log church, Thorn's Chapel, and Rev. Halstead helped with the dedication. In 1916 when Rev. LA. Peck was pastor a basement was put under the church.
In 1950 a new tower was built, housing the same bell. In 1955 four Sunday School rooms were added to the back of the church. Other new additions to Trinity include pews, overhead lights in the sanctuary, new front and back doors, the soup shed was remodeled, and a ramp was added to the front entrance.
The Trinity parsonage was built in 1987.
Pastors Who Served Trinity UMC . . .
Rev. Robison ?
Ray Ragsdale ?
Rev. St. Clair ?
George E. Bennet ?
Chas. Mundell ?
O.M. Deal ?
Rev. Stelle ?
William T. Jones ?
Rev. Miars ?
E.O. Killion ?
LA. Peck ?
C.W. Willing ?
G.W. Holmes ?
C.G. Frichie ?
E. Barrett ?
S.J. Hughes ?
J. Ord Cresop ?
John Sutch ?
O.M. Deal ?
John Fouts ?
LA.Pierce ?
George Angerer ?
Claude Ragsdale ?
J.H. Harrell ?
Vernon Flickner ?
Douglas Leffler ?
Don Garboden ?
Richard Clark ?
Don E. Goben ?
Richard Davies ?
John Webb ?
Paul Baker ?
Albert Bowles ?
Barbara Planck ?
Kevin Stiles ?
Amy Artis ?
History of Wabash United Methodist Church
The Wabash United Methodist Church has seen many changes since its founding in 1910 at Wabash Avenue and Tenth streets.
Known originally as the First United Brethren Church, it was part of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, a denomination that was founded in 1800 among Germans living in Pennsylvania. The local church came about through the efforts of the Rev. J.D. Brandenburg and the Rev. Elizabeth Chappell.
The first meetings were prayer meetings held in people's homes under the leadership of the Rev. Chappell. At the same time, the Rev. Brandenburg was holding revival meetings in a tent on Sycamore Street. After the successful revival, the congregation, with an initial membership of five persons, met in Noble's Hall across from the Knox County Court House. The congregation quickly grew to about 100 and larger facilities were needed. The lot at 10th and Wabash was purchased for $200.
A small frame church at the corner facing Wabash was erected. In six years the congregation outgrew this structure. The frame church was moved to the rear of the lot beside the alley and turned ninety degrees. There it became part of the present brick structure which was completed in 1918 under the direction of the Rev. W.H. Lutes. The new structure accommodated twice the number of people as the old, plus it gave added basement space for Sunday School classrooms, a kitchen, and a fellowship hall.
In 1946 the denomination merged with the Evangelical Church--another denomination with German roots-forming the Evangelical United Brethren Church. The church continued its growth and outreach into the community.
Another rapid increase in attendance under the guidance of the Rev. Philip Stone in 1952 brought a need for a larger sanctuary and more classrooms. In 1959 and 1960 under the supervision of the Rev. George Koch, an extensive remodeling of the structure was undertaken. The building remains today (1993) much as it did at the completion of that remodeling.
In 1968 the Evangelical United Brethren Church merged with the Methodist Church forming the United Methodist Church. Because of its location on Wabash Avenue the congregation voted to become known as the Wabash United Methodist Church.
Since its founding in 1910, the church was served by 26 pastors and one lay leader.
Pastors Who Served Wabash UMC . . .
Rev. J.L. Brandenburg 1910
Rev. Elizabeth Chappell 1910 -1912
Rev.L.L Schoonover 1912 - 1914
Rev. G.D. Forwood 1914 - 1917
Rev. W.H. Lutes 1917 - 1919
Rev. W.W. Moore 1919 - 1921
Rev. Ernest Roberts 1921 - 1924
Rev. Perry Kay 1924 - 1926
Rev. S.L. Todd 1926 - 1928
Rev. J.L. Batram 1928 - 1933
Rev. Elmer Smith 1933 - 1936
Rev. C.W. Miller 1936 - 1939
Rev. William Medcalf 1939 - 1945
Rev. F.J. Elliott 1945 - 1947
Rev. J.A. Settle 1947-1952
Rev. Philip Stone 1952-1955
Rev. George H. Koch 1955-1962
Rev. Homer Achor, D.D. 1962-1965
Rev. Ralph E. Bowman 1965-1967
Rev. Richard Clayton 1967-1970
Rev. Albert Howard 1970-1975
Rev. Ray Dixon 1975-1978
Rev. Herschel Williams 1978-1984
Rev. Donna Springer 1984-1985
Rev. Kenneth Wells 1985-1989
Rev. James Powell 1989-1991
Ray Tromley 1991-1992