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 Historical Sketch of Schapville Zion
Presbyterian Church
Schapville Zion Presbyterian Church Construction
Our congregation was organized in 1854 under the guidance of Reverend Andrew Kolb and the Presbytery of Rock River.
The original church was a log structure built on land donated by Mr and Mrs.
Conrad Winter. The deed is dated May 15, 1861 and bears the name, "Old School Presbyterian Church of Mill Creek." This church and church yard occupied the land directly behind our present church.
On June 25, 1886 a contract was given to Mr. Allen of Scales Mound to build the Presbyterian Church at Schapville.
During construction in July of that same year a carpenter working on the steeple of the new
Schapville Church, Mr. Henry Hartig fell from the steeple. "His injuries are not as serious as was at first feared, and he is now in a fair way to recover." (Galena Weekly Gazette, July 1886)
On October 24, 1886 our present church then named, German Presbyterian Church was dedicated to the glory of God.
The Mission Feast was held on October 25th. With the following named minister present:
Rev. L. Abels of Platteville, WI; Rev. H. E. Wycoff, Apple River; Prof. Bantly and Prof. G. Morey of Dubuque, IA; Rev. Dr. A. C. Smith and Rev. J. E. Funk from Galena; Rev. Allen
of Scales Mound; and Rev. H. Stauss of Oregon.
On November 7, 1886 the church bell at our church was rung for the first time.
Mr. Henry Winters, purchased the Old School Presbyterian Church, tore it down and used
the logs to build an addition to his residence. Some of those logs are still visible in the house and barn.
In 1926 a substantial addition when a Fellowship Hall and basement were added.
In 1942 the Church was completely redecorated and an over life-size of Christ in
Gethsemane was painted in the recess in the front of the Sanctuary. Donated by the Ladies Aid Society.
In 1948 new stained glass windows were installed in the Sanctuary with a Christian Symbol in each window.
In 1953 the Church Sanctuary and Narthex were redecorated with new wood.
In 2006 the stain glass windows were repaired and given a protective cover.
Our Church Name
The 1855 and 1856 the General Assembly referred to our church as Zion Presbyterian Church. The deed is dated May 15, 1861 and bears the name, "Old School Presbyterian
Church of Mill Creek."
In 1925, the church was incorporated and given the official name of "The Schapville Zion Presbyterian Church."
May erring minds that worship here
Be taught the better way
And they who mourn, and they who fear
Be strengthened as they pray.
May faith grow firm and love grow warm
And pure devotion rise
While round these hallowed walls the storm
Of earth born passion dies.
William Cullen Bryant
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