History:

Faith United Church of Christ came into being on May 26, 1969, with the union of two Protestant denominations: Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church and Windsor Evangelical Congregational Christian Church.

Windsor Evangelical Congregational Church was organized Jan. 16, 1904. Members were Germans from Russia and they held services in a shanty. In 1906, they built a small church at the corner of Elm and Second Street, which was expanded through the years.

Zion Evangelical Lutheran was founded in 1914. The church was not affiliated with any Lutheran body, but rather with what was then known as the Evangelical Synod of America. The church grew rapidly, often welcoming 20 to 30 families at a time into membership. Church membership rose to 700 between 1930 and 1940. But World War II and dissension among members regarding the language to be used at worship services resulted in a considerable loss of members.

In 1961, the evangelical and reformed churches met to form a new denomination known as the United Church of Christ. Since Zion was a member of this new union, members voted to change its name to Zion United Church of Christ. Eight ministers served the congregation during the life of the church.

In the winter of 1969, both Zion United and Windsor Evangelical were in need of remodeling or expansion and both were affiliated with the United Church of Christ. Conference Minister Charles L. Burns wrote a letter to both congregations and encouraged them to become one united church.

Both churches voted in favor of the merger, which became official on May 26, 1969. Committees were appointed with equal representation from each church. Land for a building site was purchased on the west side of Windsor at a cost of $10,780. Fund raising began almost immediately. A goal to raise $100,000 by 1971 was set.

The two congregations chose the name Faith United Church of Christ and continued meeting in the buildings of the former Zion and Congregational Churches, designated North Church and South Church. A search committee was formed to find a new pastor. That’s when Rev. Jacob Grether was called to serve.

Ground breaking for the new church and installation for Rev. Grether was held on April 12, 1970. The cost of the new church was set at about $240,500. Dedication of the new church was held eight months later on Dec. 6, 1970.

The church has since undergone additional changes and growth. Rev. Grether retired in 1982. Other pastors have included Rev. Veral Seagraves, 1982-83; Rev. Herbert Haemmelmann, 1983-85; Rev. Keith Haemmelmann, 1985-1992; Rev. Ken Redfern 1992-93; Rev. Eldon Schmidt, 1993 to the present; and Rev. Cheryl Smith, 1995 to the present.

From 1985-1989, many projects were accomplished. A grand piano, organ and ceiling fans were added to the sanctuary. Handbells were purchased and choirs formed. And the role of women in the church made a dramatic change as well. Women were elected to offices of Deacon and Trustee. Outreach programs were started, including the Windsor Food Pantry, which provides food to the needy in the Windsor Community.

Faithsteps Preschool was established in September 1990 under the direction of Mary Nix. Enrollment the first year was about 30 preschoolers; today enrollment is close to 100.

In 1991, the congregation approved a remodeling project which included the chancel and nave, new office area, parlor room, expanded chapel, enclosed food pantry storage, enclosed library/classroom in the south end of the fellowship hall.

In 2002, the congregation approved yet another remodeling project, which will include a new fellowship hall/activity room and additional rooms for Sunday school and Faithsteps.