In 1966, the United Church of Christ sold the manse at 335 East Second Street and purchased another at 395 East Fifth Street. The Congregational Christian and the Evangelical and Reformed denominations merged in 1960 to become the United Church of Christ. In April 1963, the local Federated congregation voted to become a part of that body and changed its name in keeping with the decision. Vincent Albrecht has been pastor since June 17, 1973.
On January 22, 1960, the parish hall of Trinity Lutheran Church was extensively damaged by fire from a faulty furnace. After the building was repaired, the parish hall and sanctuary were redecorated, as the sanctuary had suffered smoke and water damage. A new brick parsonage was built west of the church and dedicated June 10, 1956. The Rev. Marvin Matske has been pastor since December 9, 1973.
The Methodist Church purchased the Mrs. Frank Robinson residence adjoining the church on the east for $11,750 on May 1, 1959 to provide additional space for the Sunday School classes. The church office, which for a time had been located in the business district, was also located there. On October 8, 1960, a large bulletin board at the southwest corner of the church was dedicated.
The Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethern Church merged in April, 1968 by action of their national bodies and became the United Methodist Church. This brought about a merger of the local congregations January 31, 1968, and because the Methodists had a larger facility, the EUB group moved to the Methodist building.
The Christian Church congregation purchased the former EUB building and adjoining parsonage in 1969 for $18,000 and moved into their new facilities in November of that year. The Christian Church building, located at the corner of West First and North Elm Streets, was razed in January and February, 1970 to clear the site for the new Woodford County Bank. Robert Olliphant became pastor of the Christian Church in March, 1974.
The residence east of the United Methodist Church on Second Street was dismantled, and construction of a Fellowship Hall and classrooms for the church school was begun May 30, 1972. Of cement block construction, the building contains a large dining room and kitchen connected to the sanctuary by a hall, which can be entered from the south at ground level. The basement contains the minister's study, a room for the church secretary, a small chapel, and five classrooms. Two of the classrooms may be divided by folding doors when needed. The building was dedicated February 18, 1973. Rex Pinkham was the contractor. The new addition is shown on page 193 of this book.
During this period, the church was also tuckpointed, and the stairway to the south balcony changed. The building was completely redecorated, and new pews were installed in the sanctuary with a
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