Christ Community Church of Peoria, Illinois. Records, 1871-1994.

The congregation was formed in 1869, upon the immigration of many Europeans to Peoria, Illinois. It met informally, with much discouragement, as they had no regular pulpit supply or a house of worship. In 1871, they called Rev. Claus Wieland to the pastorate and a definite membership list was made up. In 1872, under John Muller, a Sunday School was set up, as well as a parochial school. In 1902, the old brick building in which they had been meeting was sold, in turn a new church was built. At this point, there were several clubs in existence, including the Dorcas Society, Ladies Aid, and the Men’s League. In 1942, a housing project was built for low income families in the neighborhood adjoining the church. Although this seemed to be an exciting prospect for the church in terms of ministry opportunities, the result was less promising than expected. The church building was purchased by an African-American congregation in 1945, but due to the increase in building costs following WW II, First Reformed met in the local G.A.R. hall. In 1950, under Rev. Warren Hietbrink, a new church building was erected. In 1977, with Rev. Stanley Hagemeyer as the pastor, the church was renamed Christ Community Church. A noticeable decline in membership occurred, partially caused by the downsizing of Caterpillar Corporation, a local employer. In 1993, several families that provided leadership relocated to other cities due to job transfers. The culmination of this, along with the diminished congregation, led to the unanimous decision in 1994 to disband the church. The first church in the town of the Reformed faith, this church had its origins in several European backgrounds, predominately German and Dutch. It did, despite its end, remain faithful to the proclamation of the Good News for Jesus Christ for 125 years. (From “First Reformed Church” by Richard G. Elzinga and John Haverhals).