Our History

A New Church

In 1835, a group of German farmers founded St. John’s German United Evangelical Protestant Church. They purchased an acre of land from Jacob “Swiss” Burry, meeting in his home until the first log-church was constructed. As a result, the church acquired the nickname, “Burry’s Church,” a nickname that, after more than 185 years, has stuck. So, while officially we are “St. John’s Church,” many in the community simply know us as “Burry’s Church.”

Buildings

The log church that was built in 1835 served the church until 1859 when the second church was built. The congregation worshiped in the second sanctuary until 1928 when, having outgrown the second church, the church building in which we currently worship, was built. Many additions and improvements to the building and property have been made since that time.

Founding Pastor

Burry’s founding pastor was E.F. Winter, a German Reformed pastor who was called to America due to the need of pastors on the frontier. Pastor Winter would be responsible for founding or serving nearly a dozen churches in this region but would serve as pastor here at Burry’s from his arrival in 1835 until his retirement in 1880.

Affiliation

Burry’s was a part of the “The German Evangelical Protestant Movement,” which thrived along the Ohio Valley between Pittsburgh and St. Louis for about 100 years. However, as many of the German Evangelical Protestant churches began joining with denominations, Burry’s Church chose to remain independent, while also staying committed to our historical roots. Today, we still do not belong to a denomination. We are “congregational” in government and are committed to the beliefs and principles of our reformation heritage.

The Future

Our history helps keep us grounded as we move into the future. While challenges have always existed, we seek to continue to stand firmly within the evangelical and reformed heritage as we shine a beacon of light and truth into this world around us. We know from where we have come and look forward to where God is taking us; come join us in that journey.