UCC Article in the Osseo Sesquicentennial History Book

The United Church of Christ (Congregational)

Our church was the first organized church in Osseo. It was organized as a Congregational church in July 1878 with Rev. Malcom McPhail as pastor. Current church members who are descendants of the original 24 members include Jeanne Sieg, Agnes, Rollie & Gary Colby, and Gerry Van Tassel.

The church met in the Osseo school building until 1880. A lot was purchased from Stoddard Field and the foundation of the new church building was laid in June 1880. The new church building was dedicated on June 17, 1883. Members of the church, including Rev. McPhail and his son George, built the church. The Ladies Aid Society (now the Women’s Fellowship and Ministry) furnished the paint.

On December 31, 1924, a night watch party was scheduled at the church. Unfortunately, a fire started to warm the building spread from the furnace and the church was completely destroyed. Rebuilding started immediately and the new church building was dedicated on July 6, 1926.

In 1957, the United Church of Christ denomination was formed from the merger of the Evangelical Reformed and Congregational Christian denominations. Our local church voted to join the United Church of Christ in 1960.

At the 1960 church annual meeting, the church members voted to add an educational unit on the south side of the church. The remodel included adding additional sanctuary space and a new chancel. The building was dedicated November 5, 1961.

On May 1, 2005, a ground breaking ceremony was held for our new addition. We added a new, larger sanctuary, a commercial kitchen, bathrooms on the main level, and a new drive-up carport entrance and converted the old sanctuary to the new fellowship hall. Our main floor is now completely handicapped accessible.

Through the history of the church, we have celebrated many anniversaries. A commemorative book marked our 21st year in 1904. On November 17, 1929, we celebrated our first 50 years with special morning, afternoon and evening services. The 60th anniversary was celebrated on July 15, 16, and 17, 1938. Special services were held in the evening of July 15 and 16 and a special Sunday service on July 17. Our 75th anniversary was celebrated on July 12, 1953. The Reverend Jess Norenberg, Conference Minister of the Wisconsin UCC Conference, delivered the sermon. Dinner was served to about 170 people by the ladies of the Osseo Evangelical Lutheran Church. An afternoon service featured special music and a sermon by the pastor, Dr. Robert I. Bingham. In 1978, the 100th anniversary of the church was celebrated with the Rev. Russel J. Knoth. In 2003, the 125th anniversary of the church was celebrated.

The women of the church have been active since the beginning of our church. Originally there were two groups - the Ladies Aid and the Missionary Society. Ladies Aid raised money for the church with suppers, selling various items, and by putting on plays. The Missionary Society was organized in 1911. Their main focus was mission work here in Osseo, although they also contributed to projects outside of the community. These two organizations merged in 1956 and became the Women’s Fellowship. They have continued to raise money for the church with suppers and bazaars and continue to meet for fellowship and study. Our 2007 Holiday Bazaar will be our 50th bazaar.

The men of the church have contributed many hours of labor to maintaining the church building and parsonage. The youth of the church have gathered together under various names throughout our history and have worked on service projects, fellowship outings, fundraising and met for study.

Current officers of the church are: Rollie Colby - Moderator, Rocky Thompson - Treasurer, Beverly Olson - Financial Secretary, Lois Gunderson - Church Secretary, Virginia Kittelson - Clerk. The current pastor is Rev. Sheri Randolph who began her ministry in September 2005.

The United Church of Christ (Congregational) of Osseo, Wisconsin is proud to be a member of the Osseo community and a member of the United Church of Christ. In 2007, we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the United Church of Christ denomination with floats in the 2006 Osseo Holiday Parade and 2007 Lake Martha Days Parade. Our website is www.uccosseowi.org. More information about the United Church of Christ denomination can be found at www.ucc.org or www.stillspeaking.com.