Our beginnings…
June 17, 1894- the congregation was organized in the home of T. A. Livengood.
Rev. JC Leonard was the first pastor until 1896.
There were 19 charter members. The Livengood home is now the police station.
The congregation began meeting on the second floor of the Lindsay Myers- General Store on Main Street, now Mahan Appliance Store.
Dec 15, 1895 West Main Street Heidelberg Reformed Church was dedicated. Rev. Clarence Clapp became pastor (1895-1899).
1918- The Rev. Dr. J.A. Palmer became pastor.
1928- The lot for this current building was purchased from A. H. Ragan.
1934- Merger between the Reformed Church and the Evangelical Synod of North America creating the “Evangelical and Reformed denomination.
E & R from 1934-1957
In 1934, there was a merger between the Reformed Church and the Evangelical Synod of North America creating the Evangelical & Reformed Church.
January 30, 1949- The original church building on W. Main Street burned.
After the fire, Services were held at Calvary Reformed Church until later in the year.
The basement level of the current church building on Salem Street was used until the new sanctuary was completed on March 27, 1955 (Palm Sunday).
April 10,1955 the Palmer Memorial Schantz Pipe Organ was dedicated.
Dr. J. A. Palmer was pastor here at Heidelberg for 37 ½ years, starting in 1918.
1956- The new parsonage, next door to the church, was built.
The United Church of Christ- 1957- Today
1957- The Evangelical and Reformed Church and the Congregational Churstian Church merged to form the present day United Church of Christ.
2001- Heidelberg Thomasville and the parsonage next door were added to the Thomasville Historic District.
2006- The Ragan-Webb House was purchased. Ragan was a local textile manufacturer.
2014- Palmer Memorial Schantz Pipe Organ was refurbished with stops added and was completed in 2015.
2015- Stained Glass windows were refurbished.
2020-2022- COVID-19 Pandemic
2022- The first Advent Vespers services were added to the Christmastide Tradition
2023- The first Lenten Vespers services were added to the Eastertide Tradition.
2023 May- Welcomed eight new members to the Heidelberg congregation.
Pastors
2022- Today
The Rev. Chesley Kennedy, M.Div., LCAS
2019-2022
Rev. Stephen C. Monroe
2013-2017
Rev. R.J. Hronek
2000-2013
Rev. Jamie T. Fonville
1994-1999
Rev. James F. Staunton
1990-1993
Rev. Eric D. Stroshine
1982-1989
Rev. James L. Peeler
1976-1981
Rev. Max L. Tussey
1965-1976
Rev. G. Harold Myers
1955-1964
The Rev. Dr. Richard A. Cheek
1918- 1955
The Rev. Dr. J. A. Palmer
1915-1917
Rev. G.E. Plott
1910-1914
Rev. Clarence Woods
1908-1909
Rev. W.M. McNarry
1907-1908
Rev. I.S. Ditzier
1905-1906
Rev. L.W. Shuler
1904-1905
Rev. Fred Cromer
1902-1904
Rev. W.W. Rowe
1899-1902
Rev. J.N. Faust
1896-1899
Rev. Clarence Clapp
1894-1896
The Reverend J.C. Leonard