United Church of Christ Collection, 1862-2022

Summary

Creator:
First United Church of Christ (Elmira, N.Y.)
Abstract:
This collection contains the records of the First German Evangelical Church and First United Church of Christ of Elmira, New York.
Extent:
7 linear feet
Language:
English German

Background

Scope and content:

This collection includes church newsletters, worship bulletins, photographs, administrative and financial records, as well as miscellaneous materials associated with the church and its pastors.

Biographical / historical:

The First German Evangelical Church was founded by German immigrants in 1874. Services were held entirely in German until 1915. The congregation initially held services at City Hall. In 1876, they purchased a lot at 456 East Church Street and constructed a church there. This remained their home until 1899. In 1897, they purchased a new lot at 160 Madison Avenue and began work on a new church which they dedicated on May 7, 1899. After being re-chartered on October 25, 1962, they became the First United Church of Christ of Elmira, N.Y. The church ceased operation in 2022 due, in part, to the COVID pandemic. The pastors include: Rev. Heinrich Loesch, 1874-1875; Rev. Albert Winterich, 1875-1877; Rev. Wilhelm Kammerer, 1877-1891; Rev. Otto Becher, 1891-1894; Rev. Ernst Schmidt, 1896-1906; Rev. Rudolf Vieweg, 1906-1938; Rev. Paul Frohne, 1938-1948; Rev. Hilmer Grunwald, 1848-1961; Rev. Fridolin Tschudy, 1961-1977; Rev. R. Kurt Traugott, 1978-1990; Rev. Howard L. Hunt, 1991-2003; and Rev. Jane Winters, 2001-2009; Rev. Richard Hubbard, 2010-2022.

Accruals:

The items in this collection were donated to the Booth Library by Donna Wagner in 2022.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: a Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

The Chemung County Historical Society's research library and archives are open to the public from 1pm to 5pm, Monday through Friday. There is a $5 fee for non-members.

Location of this collection:
415 E. Water Street
Elmira, NY 14901, United States
Link to repository site
Contact:
(607) 734-4167
cchs@chemungvalleymuseum.org