Our History

 

In January, 1944 a small group of people began holding Sunday services in the Nottingham Portable Public School building. Norman C. Zulauf was called to be their organizing minister and he and his family came from Miami, Florida. He held his first service on April 23, 1944. On June 25, 1944, 63 people organized the Hope Evangelical and Reformed Church. By the end of the year, the congregation had grown to 154 people. In 1950, a completed chapel and other facilities were dedicated at the corner of Tamm Avenue and Eichelberger Street.

 

 

In 1952, Hope Church had grown to a total of 600 members. In March of that year, a decision was made to begin planning for expansion. On May 5, 1957 a new adjoining building with a large sanctuary was dedicated.

 

 

In subsequent years, the church has been served by Pastors John Trnka, Donald Mayer, Dennis Lindberg, Arthur Ellersieck, Joan Dippel, Donald Henderson and David E. Mehl. Pastoral leadership is now provided by Sarah McCann and Ed Zumwinkel.

 

HopeMark Preschool

 

The Hope United Church of Christ facilities have also served as space for the HopeMark Preschool since 1971.