Our Beginning
In 1858 Fannie Miller came to Sharon Township as the bride of John Jacob Ressler. Upon one of her visits home to North Bend, now known as North Liberty, she persuaded the Reverend Joseph Bussard to hold a revival meeting in the Boone Schoolhouse. In 1866 seventeen adults became the charter members of the Sharon Evangelical Church. On December 31, 1869, a simple frame building measuring 24 feet by 40 feet was dedicated as the new church building. Church membership and attendance grew through the years. In 1896; a west wing, tower and entry way was added to the original building. Church membership and attendance experienced an increase following the Second World War. In 1946, planning began for the raising of the church and excavating and construction of a full basement. The basement was completed in 1947 allowing for the addition of a fellowship hall, kitchen and baby room. As the church membership continued to grow, the congregation made the decision to build a new church across the road from its current location. Starting with once a month Sunday School offerings the building fund was begun. With special efforts, a new church was ready for its first service on Sunday January 4, 1959. The building committee’s foresight provided a structure large enough to serve the congregation’s needs for the next 40 years. As attendance continued to grow, a building committee was elected who worked diligently for more than 5 years on plans for the building addition. The current structure is the result of that vision. Take time to reflect on our past, relish our present and imagine our future.
Church Built 1869. Photo taken 1889.
CHARTER MEMBERS:
Mr. & Mrs. Christian Blitz
Mr. & Mrs. Peter Jacobs
Mr. & Mrs. John Monk
Mrs. Barbara Chody Nordhous
Mrs. Catherine Roessler
Mr. & Mrs. John Jacob Roessler
Mr. & Mrs. Christian Schrader
Mr. & Mrs. Adam Schwimley
Mr. Elias Strickler
Mr. & Mrs. Carl Zager
