FCC Sioux Falls-Our History

Our History

Over a century has passed since the laying of the cornerstone of the building in which First Congregational Church now worships. On the 125^th anniversary of the Congregation in 1997, the west side addition was dedicated, and the new memorial hall was named after Rev. Arlan Fick who led the congregation through its plans for expansion and renovation.

At the annual meeting in 1997, the congregation voted to provide funds, restore and renovate a house at 216 S. Walts Ave. under the auspices of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sioux Falls. The house had been the parsonage for the German Congregational Church where Theodore Roosevelt had visited in 1910. Generous donations and many hours of labor by church members made it possible for a family to have a home in 1998.

Also in 1997, Frank and Betty Kloxin gifted 36 acres of South Dakota prairie about 30 miles northwest of Sioux Falls to the church. It was named Camp KROF – the first letters of the last names of the four boys (including Frank) who had experienced a great time camping together as 10-year-olds. It was the wish that some day this land might become a campground for the church. It has become that and much more!

In 2001 a basement was dug into the hillside. A 30’x40’ structure, designed by Dick Dempster, was proposed to be built in 2002. With the encouragement of Interim Pastor, Rev. Joseph Dudley and the many hours and donations contributed by church members, a two-story building was erected. It was dedicated on August 22, 2004. A plaque was presented to Rev. Dudley at the dedication, naming it the “Joseph Iron Eye Retreat Center” at Cam KROF. Sunday evening services and cook-outs have been held once a month during the summer months ever since. It has also become a retreat center for church youth groups, women’s fellowship, staff retreats, Boy Scout outings, fishing derbies and family camping.

Just a short walk on a path through native grasses and wildflowers leads you to a wooden cross on a hill not far away. After one of the Sunday evening services, many stood in awe as they viewed a beautiful, full rainbow following a rain. There it was – God’s promise always to be with us!

In 1998 Brian Williams resigned as organist. Fortunately, Jack Mohlenhoff became our organist up to this day. He also directs the Potentiam Singers and the Acabella Handbell Choir. A fourth octave of bells has been added this year as a result of memorial donations.

New computers and the design of the web site became a part of the church office, and the church went “on-line” in 1999. The old sound system in the sanctuary was replaced. Phase one of the organ restoration was completed and it was digitalized in preparation for its final stage of completion. Pledges exceeded the goal for the first time, and there was literally “dancing in the aisles”.

Fellowship groups were organized. They included Prime Time, 15 In Between, Out and About, Singles, Men’s Group, Family First, Care Givers, and our newest one for young adults, Paving the Way. A book discussion group was formed and led by Rev. Chuck Allen. The Women’s Fellowship made several changes, partly due to the employment of women outside the home and the inability of older women to carry out the functions of the group as they ordinarily did.

“Fellowship at First” was organized in 2001. All of the households of the church were divided into 12 groups coinciding with the months of the year. Each group is responsible for serving coffee hours, funerals, and receptions that might occur in their month. The Women’s Fellowship continues to have a circle for Bible study and the Altar Guild meets once a month to assist with sanctuary housekeeping.

A relationship developed with the Sudanese Community, and in 2000 the first Sudanese United Church of Christ was formed. We were a part of making that happen. Donations and books were sent to the “Lost Boys” of Sudan. Unfortunately, the events of 9/11 prevented the “Lost Boys” arrival here.

During the time that Rev. Gerlinger served the church, familiar hymns from the church’s bell tower were heard in the downtown area. Mrs. Gerlinger played the hymn melodies every noon. “God’s hands at work from the heart of the city.” That memory inspired the Percy Edmison family to give a memorial towards a carillon for the Bell Tower. With additional memorial funds an electronic carillon was installed in the northeast tower in 2001. It rang twice a day until disconnected for the current renovation. The glorious notes will be heard again when the organ is completed.

Also that year, the church library was converted into the Book Store—Sacred Grounds. Its mission was to support the SERRV program through purchasing gifts that people in Third World countries had handcrafted for their livelihood, and to promote good literature for the education and growth of church members.

Over the past decade, Fick Memorial Hall has become a multi-purpose center. It has provided space for weddings, church services, concerts, receptions, social events and church activities. In 2003 it was refurbished with new furnishings in memory of Emily Staathaug. The next year the furnishings were further enhanced by the gift of a baby grand piano in memory of Dottie Tuttle. This piano is now being used in the newly remodeled sanctuary.

Maundy Thursday service was held in the Fick Hall in 2007. the setting sunlight sifting through the stained glass windows, gradually turning to darkness, along with the lighting of the individual candles, made it a very worshipful experience.

After the west entrance was complete, attention turned to the east side of the church. Landscaping and exterior lighting of the church and towers heightened the beauty of the whole building, a gift of the George Menke family. A thank you was received from the City of Sioux Falls for the wonderful addition it made to the downtown area.

First Congregational Church was placed on the National Registry of Historical Buildings in 1985. In September 2004, the Minnehaha County Historical Society dedicated the historical plaque on the north side of the church.

The Mission Board has presented many opportunities in the past ten years for members to reach out to those in need. Volunteers have prepared and served meals at The Banquet twice a year. Bell Ringers have rung for the Salvation Army during the Advent season. A group went to Red Scaffold twice to refurbish a church on the Cheyenne Indian Reservation. In 2003 members assisted Ponca Creek to construct a Community Building and paint the interior of their church. This year, working with the Lori Menke, the director of Christian Education, they arranged for 17 youth and 19 adults to go to downtown Philadelphia on a mission trip. A moving experience!

Many personnel changes occurred in 2005. Rev. Joseph Dudley, who had so effectively served as interim pastor since 2001, resigned in February. Rev. Jack Brooks, visitation pastor, resigned in December. He had made numerous visits to the homebound, nursing homes and hospitals on behalf of the church.

The “Jack and Ramona Brooks Helping Hands Fund” was established by the Mission Board in recognition of his and Ramona’s giving spirits and willingness to help others. This ongoing fund is used to help people outside the congregation who come to church for help.

The highlight of the year was the calling of Rev. Kathryn Timpany to be our senior pastor. The Search Committee had searched diligently for three years to fill that position. It was a blessing to have her spirit and vitality, which was needed by the congregation to meet the challenges ahead. Her weekly “Rev It Up”, which reflects on life and faith, is available on the internet.

The church reluctantly accepted the resignation of Lori Menke, director of Christian Education, for a year, but joyously welcomed her back from retirement. Since then she has made Wednesday evenings very special with the F.I.R.S.T. program (Faith Inspires Real Service Together). An intergenerational group eats a catered meal together and then attend various activities of the church (classes, choirs, crafts, etc)

In 2006, members of the congregation voted at the annual meeting to proceed with the “Building On Faith” Campaign. Many concerns were heard and discussed together. The Building Committee spent several months re-examining the building and renovation plans with input from other members. They determined the best plan was to move forward to renovate the sanctuary, complete the organ, renovate the education wing, fellowship hall, corridors, first floor bathrooms, and to give a tithe of 10% to the Abundant blessings Capital Campaign of the South Dakota Conference. The congregation approved a capital campaign for approximately $2 million, and over half of that was raised in the first few months. The church was re-roofed and the project was on its way!

In January 2007 we proceeded from the sanctuary to “God’s Basement”, where Sunday services were held until August 12^th. The dining area had been effectively set up for the weekly worship services. A beautiful wooden altar, designed and built by member Allen Hamberger, became the worship center. The altar will be the permanent one at Camp KROF now.

During that period the organ was removed and the sanctuary completely gutted. It was redesigned and built under the leadership of members Diane deKoeyer and Dick Dempster of Architecture Incorporated, and the workmanship of Sioux Falls Construction. The original stenciling over the archway in the chancel, which had been concealed since the 30s, was re-applied by several members. Fellow members also sanded and refinished the floors.

A large wooden cross was hung in the center of the chancel. It was made possible by the gifts and craftsmanship of members Tom and Sue Roust, Bob Natz and Allen Hamberger. The organ was re-installed in October, 2007 and has become the “crowing glory” of our beautiful sanctuary!

Senior Ministers

Arlan Fick 1992- 2001

Joseph Dudley (interim) 2001-2005

Kathryn Timpany 2005 – present

Associate Minister

Norman Shomper 1994-Dec. 31^st 2007

Duane Rhoadarmer (interim) Jan. 1, 2008-present

Minister of Music and Arts

Jack Mohlenhoff 2008-present

Visitation Ministers

Jack Brooks 1990-2005

Tim Worthington 2006- 2007