Nauvoo Kirche

March 18, 1855 - The First Presbyterian Church of Nauvoo was organized at the “Hall of the Seventies.”

March 22, 1856 - Reverend Waldenmeyer performed the marriage ceremony for Joseph Smith III and Emmeline Griswold. 

1869 - The Deutsche Evangelischer Presbyterianer Kirche was organized. 

1872 - The Kirche was built for $700. Bricks from Mormon Pioneer homes, including John D. Lee’s, were used to build the church.  Nauvoo Temple stone was used for the basement foundation and front steps.  

1872-1903 - The German and English congregations held services on alternate Sundays.   

1890s - The parsonage was built next door to the Kirche.  

1903 - The German and English congregations combined; all services were held in English.    

1910ish - The bell was purchased from the Cincinnati Bell Company for $125. It was rung at the start of each Sunday as a Call to Worship.  

1914 - A storm destroyed the steeple of the belfry.  

1985 - The parsonage was sold after being in use for almost 100 years. 

June 21, 2020 - The final service was held; it was reflected that “some people come into our lives and quietly go; some stay for a while and leave footprints on our hearts and we are never the same.” 

August 15, 2020 - J. Phil and Heidi Harrop purchased the Kirche with its beautiful windows and bell via public auction. Their hope is to preserve the building as a place of gathering in the community.