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At this time a group of 11 families gathered with the Pastors F. Sattler, G. Schmidt and J. Wagner who helped with the organization of the "German Evangelical Congregational Hoffnungs Church" as it was originally named. The names of those charter member families were: Andreas and Beata Bauer, Margareta, Martin and Mathilda; Christian and Christina Gramm, Gottlieb and Elizabeth; Jacob and Emma Gramm; Gottlieb and Christina Knodel, Edward and Gottlieb; Gustave and Christina Paster, and Katherina; Matthias and Eva Schaal, Edward and John; Anna Magdalena Schmidke and Emma; Samuel and Bertha Schmidke Jr.; Christian and Dorothea Strobel, Lydia, Emil, Pauline and Christ; Friedrich and Maria Stutz, Lydia, Ida and Whilimina; Joseph and Margareta Weisshaar.

On January 18, 1912 the congregation voted to build a church and this task was undertaken immediately. The first church building was a small one-room frame structure which stood some 250 feet west and north of the present brick church. It was completed and dedicated, together with the cemetary, on Feb. 18, 1912, only one month after it was started, on land donated by John Dobler Sr. In 1923 he added to this parcel so that a parsonage could be built adjacent to the church. The details of the construction are as follows: Building funds were obtained in the sum of $150.00 from the Congregational Building and Loan Association; member donations were collected in the sum of $316.75. This was a total of $466.75 which was also the construction cost. Needless to say, many hours of dedicated volunteer labor went into the building. Christian Dobler was the carpenter. A pump organ was purchased on November 20,1914, at a cost of $75.00. The first organists were William Stutz and Dorothy Schaal.

For several years the congregation was served by student pastors during the summer months, and the rest of the time reading of sermons by the elders of the church for the worship services. The elders and older members also helped conduct the Sunday School for the children which always preceded the morning worship service. The afternoon hours were devoted to Christian Endeavor for the Youth and immediately following an hour of prayer and singing. Christian Endeavor especially gave the youth the opportunity to use and develop their talents, formulate and express their thoughts on a given subject, based on the study of the Bible. The prayer meeting or hour of prayer was an outgrowth of the revival meetings conducted by the Evangelist Rev. John Schwabenland. This filled a real need and the deep spiritual longing of these first pioneer families. The student pastors that served the young church during the first six summer months from 1912 to 1917 were: John Rothenberger, Karl Haemmelmand, J. Peter Wagner, R. Otto, A. Selmikeit and V. Pietzko.

Then in 1918 Rev. Karl Haemmelmann was called to serve as the first full-time pastor. He remained to served the church until 1922. During his ministry, the yearly salary paid was $500.00. It is also interesting to note that the first Mission Fest offering was $50.50. A joyous occasion took place when Rev. Haemmelmann and Minnie Stutz were married here at Hope Church as Minnie was a charter member of the new church. They lived approximately three miles south of the church on land they purchased, which had an adobe house standing on it. The church came together and helped them set up housekeeping since no parsonage was available at that time.

Rev. J.P. Flemmer was then called to Hope Church and he was the first to call the new parsonage "home". This was erected on a site north of the present church in 1923, being dedicated on July 15 of that year. Rev. Flemmer came direct from Redfield, So. Dak. Seminary in the summer of 1922 and boarded at the home of the Jacob and Katherina Strobel family until the new parsonage was completed. Rev. Flemmer was married to Marie Fahrenbruch on May 16 and so he and his new bride began their life together in the new parsonage and served the church until 1925.

During the ministry of Rev. C.E. Maedche the congregation voted to erect a new church. The basic contract was awarded to Mr. J.A. Haughey of Burlington, Colorado. He completed this work for $5,494.00. The total cost of the finished structure was $7,500.00 including furnishings. The new church was dedicated to the service of the Triune God on September 2, 1928. Present at this dedication were Rev. Mssr. J. Peter Wagner, J.P. Flemmer, J. Rothenberger, H.J. Stroh and Theodore Strobel, all of whom assisted in the dedication service. Present also were pastors from Burlington, Co. churches who brought greetings in the English language, Rev. Alley, Methodist Church and Rev. Tyner, First Christian Church. Rev. Maedche served Hope Church longer than any previous minister, 8 years, terminating his pastorate in 1934. Rev. and Mrs. Maedche lost their oldest son during their tenure here and he is buried in Hope cemetery. On a more joyous note Rev. Maedche had the privilege of officiating at the marriage of John and Margaret Weisshaar, being the last couple married in the little frame church, and John Gramm and Frieda Adolf, the first couple in the new church.

In a note which was found written in John Strobel's personal handwriting, some of the costs of the church were broken down as follows:
             Brick (25,000)-$29.50/thousand$737.50.
             Tile-$90.00/thousand-$94.00.
             Cement for basement, side steps-$320.00.
             Seats (each)-$4.25.
             3 Art stained glass windows $402.00.

In 1935 Rev. John and Julia Hoelzer came to Hope Church and they ministered through the difficult depression and dust-bowl years. A number of families left during this time to find better opportunities to make a living, which made it more difficult for those that remained to maintain the church. However, the Ladies Missionary and Aid Society was organized the first year the Rev. Hoelzers were at Hope, and the 25th Anniversary of the church was celebrated the following year, August 29-30, 1936.

Rev. J.F. Reister filled the pulpit from 1939 to 1942. Rev. H.G. Pfeiff began his ministry in 1943 and it was during this time the church became self-supporting. Previously, the church had received financial assistance from the Board of Home Missions. In 1944-46, during the ministry of Rev. D. Schurr, the church came very close to being consumed by fire. Lightning struck close to the church and the wiring carried current to the furnace room where a fire was started. Fortunately, this was discovered and did very little damage. Student Arthur Siewart served during his Christmas vacation from Yankton College. Rev. J. Rothenberger called Hope Church his home from 1947-1950; he had previously served as the first student pastor in 1912. In 1951 Rev. Wm. R. Schafer came to serve the church and was ordained here. He served the church until 1953. During the ministry of Rev. H.E. Wilske, (1953-1959), the parsonage was moved to Burlington, Co. It was completely remodeled and still remains at 325-16th St. During 1960 and 1961, the church was served by several supply pastors including students E. Schoessler, Rev. B. Barthel, P. Kreuzenstein and V. Schively.

On Aug. 26-27,1961, Hope Church celebrated its 50th Anniversary. There were over 250 members and guests present for this occasion. It was during this same year that the congregation voted to accept the constitution of the United Church of Christ. Rev. John Eversole was at Hope from 1962-1963. Rev. Arthur Hoffman served from 1964 to 1968 and during this time (1967) a new organ was purchased by Mr. Jake Schaal. This was a surprise to everyone when they came to church for Mission Fest Sunday that year. During the ministry of Rev. Virgil Kellogg, it was voted to build an addition over the south entrance of the church. This also provided an extra Sunday School room. This was the year 1970. Rev. Kellogg became ill and passed away during his calling at Hope Church. Students R. Freeman, Ron Wunsch and Rev. H. Griffith then filled the pulpit.

Rev. Ruben Isaak came to the church in 1971. At this time extensive remodeling was undertaken with carpet being laid in the sanctuary and side room. Linoleum was put in the basement. Rev. Isaak eventually left Hope Church due to the prolonged illness and death of his wife, Alta. Under his ministry, however, many new members were added to the role of the church and many were baptized in the name of the Lord. During Rev. Isaak's absence, Rev. Howard Johnson filled the pulpit. Rev. Isaak returned to the church in 1978 retiring as a full-time pastor at the end of this year. Rev. Loren Swanson served Hope from 1979-1981.

The Dr. Rev. Albert Wetzel was called to the church in 1982 and served the church through 1986, along with his wife Rosemary and daughter Julie. In 1982, during his installation as pastor at the Hope Church, he was also recognized for serving 25 years in the ministry. It was under his direction and guidance that we celebrated the 75th Anniversary of Hope United Church of Christ. It was noted that in celebrating this joyous occasion, new pews had been added to the sanctuary and remodeling of the kitchen completed.

Two of the charter members are still living. They are Christ Strobel and Mathilda (Hohn) Mitchell, as well as 8 of the charter family's children, who were Sunday School age and under at the time of the organization. They are: Eva (Knodel) Schaal; Margaret (Weisshaar) Strobel; Pauline (Gramm) Schaal; William Stutz; Emil Schmidke; Emma (Schmidke) McDowell; Anna (Bauer) Hays; and Edward Bauer.

On Easter Sunday, April 19, 1987, Pastor Ted Meter first served Hope Church. He and his wife, Betty, arrived from North Dakota and were surprised to be greeted by an extensively remodeled and modernized parsonage. At this writing, Meters are actively and busily involved in the work of the church serving the Lord.

Registered thus far in the church records:

255 Baptisms; 183 Confirmations; 73 marriages; 88 Funerals; and 104 Families.

OUR CHURCH SCHOOL
The purpose of the Sunday School is to teach the children the Bible stories that would mold their lives into law abiding and God fearing citizens. In the beginning it was conducted in the German language and children were taught the German ABCs and how to write in German. The memorizing of Bible verses and studying of Bible stories taught them about the love of God and singing the song "Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so," has helped them to love God and also to love their fellowmen. The first week in June a week of Vacation Bible School is held and children bring their money for a missionary in a foreign land, and a program at the end to tell what they have learned during the week. One of the highlights of the year is the Sunday School picnic on a Sunday in July in a grove of trees by the river and singing of the hymn "Shall We Gather at the River" and an open air church service. After the service we share a potluck dinner and freezers of homemade ice cream. Also games and visiting makes for a day of good Christian fellowship. Near Thanksgiving time, recitations and parts for drills are handed out for the Christmas program on Christmas Eve. The program ends with a pageant and a nativity scene to commemorate the birth of the Savior of the world.

PAIRS & SPARES
Pairs and Spares was organized in 1982, under the direction of Rev. and Mrs. Albert Wetzel. The group is open to anyone, and presently consists of the younger married and singles of the church. Meetings are held in various members' homes on the third Sunday evening of the month. Fellowship consists of Bible study and sharing views on controversial issues concerning Christian living. During the summer months we take advantage of the various outdoor activities. Our goal is to further our education in Jesus Christ and His teachings, and use it to walk closer with Him in our everyday lives.

THE MUSICAL DEPARTMENT
It apparently started as a mixed choir in the early years (1912-13), and later Rev. Flemmer started a men's quartet, consisting of himself, John Dobler, Bill Stutz, and Ted Knodel. From there it has blossomed into a larger men's choir that has lasted until the present time with various choir directors through the years. The church has been fortunate to always have two or three, or more, accompanists available. There is also a host of talented singers as demonstrated in the congregational singing each Sunday. At the present time there is a men's choir that sings in the winter months. In the summer and fall a mixed choir sings, or special numbers are provided by various members of the church. There have been cantatas and concerts performed at the church. Most of the cantatas were performed with Immanuel Lutheran Church and the Hope Church combined. A lot of dedication and hard work have made the music at Hope Church an important and necessary part of the church and has been very instrumental in the growth of the church.

MISSIONARY AND AID SOCIETY
The first official meeting was held on July 1, 1935, at the church. Some of the highlights of this meeting are: The name of the organization shall be called the "Missionary and Aid Society". Meetings shall be held the first Thursday of the month. The motto will be "Alle Eure Dinge Lasset in der Liebe Geshehen" (Let A11 Your Efforts Be Motivated by Charity and Love). The present motto is "We No Longer Strangers Are". All 21 ladies present were recognized as "charter members". They were Christina Gramm, Magdalena Dobler, Julia Hoelzer, Carolina Schaal, Emma M. Schaal, Lena Strobel, Emma Schaal, Edna Dobler, Pauline Schaal, Martha Gramm, Margaret Strobel, Lydia Gramm, Frieda Gramm, Christina Knodel, Pauline Stahlecker, Martha Adolf, Anna Strobel, Martha Schlichenmayer, Pauline C. Schaal, Lydia Adolf and Rev. John Hoelzer. The first meeting held in English was on Feb. 2, 1950. This group was organized to be mission dedicated to help the needy in the community and foreign missions. The aid celebrated its 25th Anniversary in June 1960 and the 50th Anniversary in June 1985.

AND THEY WENT FORTH
Three young men have gone forth from the Hope Church into the full-time service of the Church.

THEODORE. C. STROBEL graduated from Redfield Seminary and was ordained in 1921 in Canada, where he served a church parish for about three years. Ted also served churches in Colorado and the Dakotas, as well as on the West Coast, for the past 50 years, the last 10 years as interim pastor.

DR. WALTER E. DOBLER graduated from Yankton School of Theology, Yankton, South Dakota. He then attended the Andover Newton Theological School in Newton Center, Mass. where he completed residence requirements for his Doctorate degree. He was ordained in 1942 at the American Falls Twin Falls, Idaho parish. Dr. Dobler was appointed to the faculty of the Yankton School of Theology as a Professor of German Language and Literature. He served several churches throughout the Northern and Eastern areas of the United States. Dr. Dobler was Associate Conference Minister for the western area of the Missouri Conference.

HERBERT R. SCHAAL graduated from Yankton School of Theology. He was ordained in Crook, Colorado in 1956. In 1958 he was commissioned as missionary to our work in Concordia Entre Rio Argentina, South America. He served as Superintendent of the work there, including the School of Theology in which ministers were trained for both Brazil and Argentina. He and wife Doris served in Argentina for 12 years and then served several churches in the United States. In addition to these persons, yet another young lady from Hope Church has served for many years as a ministers wife, namely, Minnie (Stutz) Haemmelmann. Two of her sons and a daughter, as well as a grandson, are also in full-time Christian service.

AND THEY FOLLOW AFTER
Dr. Robert Strobel, son of Rev. Theo. Strobel was Professor of Religious Education at United Theological Seminary for 25 years from the very beginning, and his wife, Alice, as Admissions Secretary during those years. Robert also served in the Air Force as Chaplin for many years, and Betty, daughter of Rev. Strobel also was active in church work for many years as the wife of Rev. Ernest Sprenger. Rev. David Dobler, son of Dr. Walter Dobler is also in the ministry and presently serving in Alaska. Patty (Schaal) Browning, daughter of Rev. Herbert Schaal and her husband, Steve, are serving in the Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship (College Campus Ministry) presently at Seattle, Washington.

The church has continued its strong missionary program and Mission Fest is always a highlight of the church year. Hope Church still has a strong commitment to the work of the Lord and this we will pass on to future generations in the hope that a small bit of this history will bring them closer to the origins of their church and the dedication needed to work together in God’s family.