St. Paul United Church of Christ 428 Kilbourne Street  Bellevue OH 44811 419-483-6490  stpaulsbellevue@cros.net   Rev. Robert Bottoms,  Pastor spcpastor@cros.net

St. Paul's can truly claim to be a UNITED Church of Christ congregation.      Twenty-five years ago, the First Congregational UCC and St. Paul's UCC (E&R) united as one.  Each brought a rich heritage to the merger.

     On September 20, 1836, ten settlers of the Firelands area of the Connecticut Western Reserve organized a church in Bellevue (then known as Amsden Corners) under the Presbyterian form of church government.  In March 1846 the name of the church was officially changed form Presbyterian to Congregational and named First Congregational Church.  At the time of its semi-centennial celebration, a member of the congregation, Mr. Daniel M. Harkness, desired to erect a memorial to the memory of his beloved wife, Isabelle Harkness, a former faithful member of the church.  The building of the Harkness Memorial Church on Southwest Street and its dedication were outstanding events in the community.  The cornerstone was laid on September 10, 1887, with the dedication on October 14, 1888. The name of the church was changed once again following the formation of the United Church of Christ in 1957.  This building is still standing and serves as a private residence.

During April 1956, there was a week-long celebration commemorating the rebuilding and enlarging of the original Johnson and Son pipe organ.  The original organ was given in 1890 by Will Harkness, son of the donor of the church building.  The organ was moved to St. Paul's in March 1978.  The organ was again renovated and slight modifications made in 1996.  Dr. Catherine Thiedt gave a dedication recital on November 9, 1997.

St. Paul's German Reformed Congregation was incorporated on September 19, 1863.  In 1869, the General Synod dropped "German."  The name "United Church of Christ" became official with the adoption of the national UCC constitution on July 4, 1961.  Through the efforts of the Rev. Eli Keller, Pastor of Zion's Church in Thompson Township (Fireside), St. Paul's was started.  A number of Bellevue folk rode horseback, walked, or went in wagons to Zion's Church, located about five miles south of town. After a church was started in town many transferred or became members of the new congregation. Beginning services were held in the Bellevue High School.  In the spring of 1864 ground was broken and the cornerstone laid on the Kilbourne Road site (present site of St. Paul's).  The congregation was organized the fall of 1865.  On November 27, 1927, the church building was rededicated after being remodeled and enlarged.

Ground was broken April 23, 1961, for a much-needed Educational and Fellowship Hall addition.  It was dedicated March 4, 1962.

Following  years of exploration,  First Congregational and St. Paul's merged in 1973.  The first service of the united congregation was held on February 17, 1974.  Worship service opened in the First Congregational Church and closed in St. Paul's Church.  Lighted candles on the altar were carried from the First Congregational Church to St. Paul's.

One of the first actions of the new congregation was the decision to build a new sanctuary.  On October 3, 1976, the last service was held in the old sanctuary, which was torn down in November.  On November 28, 1976, ground was broken for the new sanctuary and the cornerstone laying service was June 5, 1977.  The first service in the new (present) sanctuary was on Pentecost — May 14, 1978.  During construction worship was held in the Fellowship Hall.

Current membership is 400 with the average worship attendance at 150.   There is an active Christian Educational program which includes Sunday School classes for all ages and a youth fellowship program.  St. Paul's is in the process of searching for a part-time Director of Christian Education.  The position has been a part of the church staff since the mid-1980s.

Another strong ministry of the church is its commitment to missions.  OCWM giving is strong along with support for many UCC-related ministries.  Ecumenical and local concerns — such as Salvation Army , Fish and Loaves (community food pantry), and the community counseling center — also receive generous support. Members actively participate on various association, conference and national UCC boards.  Ms. Martha Siegel spent four weeks in the Ukraine in February 1999 as part of the SARA ministry.  She used her occupational therapy skills to help the many children in the local orphanages.  St. Paul's Christian Day Care was started in August 1982.  Currently there are 110 children, infants to nine-year-olds, enrolled and a staff of sixteen.