Historical Notes (1976)

The congregation gathered following an organizational meeting on May 2, 1851. The name adopted then was written into the records in the German language. In literal translation the church was named the German United Evangelical Protestant Congregation of Saint Jacobus Church in the Town of Richfield.

Contributions for a church building in the year 1851 amounted to $64.97. Along with this contribution money for benevolences was also collected. The first church was a log building located at the present cemetery site (northeast on Scenic Road). All material and labor for the church were paid by June 1852, leaving a balance of $10.81. The interior was equipped with a pulpit and pews (large log pews), a space for benches for Sunday School, an organ on one side and on the other a fenced-in enclosure for the church council. The church door was never locked; a large key about six to eight inches long hung on the inside of the door.

In the year 1869 the church income was $38.74 with expenses for that year totaling $35.85. The amount paid to the visiting pastor, Rev. G. Ebling, amounted to $32.74. For the year 1870 the congregation called a minister to full time service, the Reverend David Kurtz. The income for that year reached $100 for the first time. The budgeted income for the minister to follow was started at $150 then raised to $200 per year with "enough wood for fuel and allowance for traveling expense."

Around 1881 a new barn was built. In the year 1888 more rooms were added to the parsonage (no longer existing). The present church was built in 1892 across from the parsonage. The cost was $2,095, which was paid for by the next annual meeting.

The women's guild work was organized in the year 1914. A constitution was adopted and regular meetings were held. In the year 1915 the Guild bought gasoline lights for the church. Other renovations, and improvements achieved through the leadership and guidance of the Guild included; redecoration of the sanctuary in 1920 , the beautiful new windows installed in 1923, electric lights added in 1926, carpeting laid in 1941, kitchen and school rooms added in 1951. The Guild catered and annual Dartball Banquet for many years allowing for tiling and maintenance of the fellowship hall, carpeting of the stairs and balcony, purchase of folding chairs for seating in the balcony, purchase of new ranges for the kitchen, a piano, as well as many other services in support of the congregation. In addition, money was transferred regularly in support of the church budget.

Upon urging from the Evangelical and Reformed denomination the congregation became affiliated with them in the year 1938. Upon completion of the merger of the E&R denomination with the Congregational Church, Saint Jacobi Church fell within the boundaries of the United Church of Christ. In quest for a truly Christ-centered purpose and ministry the congregation moved to independence from the UCC denominational dictate in 1971.

Upon recognition that a greater fellowship of churches serves the Lord in a very unique way, the Saint Jacobi Congregation elected to affiliate with the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches and the Wisconsin Congregational Association in the year 1975. The constitution was amended at the Annual Meeting to reflect this new fellowship and to change the name of the church to Saint Jacobi Congregational Church.

In the year 1943 the use of the German language for worship was discontinued. During the ensuing year the congregation shared in pastoral services with a sister church. In the year 1965 a bold and courageous decision was made to continue the life of the congregation through calling of its own full time minister. IN the year 1966, a layman studying for the ministry , Mr. Frank Benes was called. In the year 1972 the congregation, for the first time, participated in the ordination of one of its members in the ministry. A service of ordination for the Rev. Frank Benes was conducted in July 1972.

Today, we continue to be in fellowship with the NACCC and WCA. The service to the church has continued. Since 2005 the church has added a new sounds system, new organ, a handicap ramp entrance, expanded and resurface the parking lot, an indoor children's play set, remodeled the fellowship hall and planted Children's Garden. These gifts to the church were made possible by the generous outpouring of time and effort on the part of the church's membership.

It should be noted that it is in the heritage of the congregation to also care for the community. We provide well attended social events including the Breakfast with Santa and the Breakfast with the Bunny. We hold three food drives a year, have sent major clothing donations to the community, held a toy drive for Christmas and in August we collect school supplies for children in Milwaukee. We support the local and international community in prayer. We have had visits in the past from missionaries in Africa and also a minister and missionary in India.

We are always looking for new ways we can serve God and grow our faith in Christ. We seek the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. We have a bright future ahead...join us.

1695 Scenic Road

Richfield, Wisconsin 53076

stjaocbi@att.net

262-628-3234

Richfield, Wisconsin is located northwest of Downtown Milwaukee. Driving time from Milwaukee is approximately 40 minutes.

Exit 41/45 at Holy Hill Rd. (Hwy 167) going west. Continue west on Holy Hill Rd(167) for about 2 miles.

St. Jacobi is located on the southwest corner of the intersection of Holy Hill and Scenic Rd.

Our parking lot is located on the south side of the church.