By SARAH CRABTREE
Niles Daily Star

In 1864, a building site was bought on the corner of Sixth and Sycamore Street and work began on the church. The construction ended in January 1865 and they had their first church. Originally the church was just a white clapboard structure. As time passed, the church expanded even more and was remodeled.

St. John’s United Church of Christ of Niles will be holding its 150th anniversary of the founding of their congregation.

The churches first service of worship began in April 1858, the same year that Niles was incorporated as a city in Berrien County.

It began with only a few German-speaking Christians gathering in a small school district house on the corner of Cass and Third streets.

Over time the congregation grew and they were in much need of a permanent place to hold worship services.

” The church has changed so much over the years and its changed because Niles has changed,” Pastor Harry Clark said.

Up until 1940 the worship services were in the German tongue until English became the main language used.

Another big change that happened with the church was the merger of the Evangelical and Reformed Church, and the Congregational Christian churches in 1957. The merger made St John’s a member of the newly formed United Church of Christ. Today, St John’s is still affiliated with the Southwest Association of the Michigan Conference of the United Church of Christ.

For St John’s, the merger was the only the first of many changes to come.

Over the next couple years the church worked on updating their facilities. In April 1959 an educational wing was dedicated to the church, and the fellowship hall, which is part of the facility, is used for many events throughout the year such as fish fries, special dinners, youth events, receptions, meetings and events organized by community organizations.

Today, St John’s is still a very active church and help with many charities throughout the community. They help collect food year round for Mt. Calvary Food Pantry and the church is involved in fundraising for Relay for Life.

The churches large congregation helps out greatly when it comes to community events.
At one point in time the congregation was at an all time high, with 502 members. Although today, they don’t have quite as many, they have around almost 200 members.

St John’s is a church with so much fascinating history, one reason why they are celebrating.
St John’s will be rejoicing the fact that everyday of the past 150 years God has given them everything they’ve needed to be Christ’s church. The celebration will be for hope that that continues for the next 150 years and more.

The celebration will be held Feb. 28 at St John’s, located on 601 Sycamore St., Niles. It will begin at 10:30 a.m. with a worship and recommitment service followed by a dinner consisting of great German food. Everyone in the community is invited and welcome to come join in the celebration.