Friedens Church of Washington, UCC
Organized in 1890, the Friedens Church served the German immigrant community
of Washington County. Following the Civil War an influx of German settlers
moved to Washington County. In 1888, Rev. Klindworth began to hold services in
response to a plea from several German families living in Washington County.
His services inspired the people of the community to form a permanent church
group. They decided to build a church and school building a mile and a half
south of Washington. A full-time minister was hired, who would also serve as
the school teacher for economic reasons. The members approved for a minister
from the Evangelical Synod of America and, in 1890, Rev. David Buchmueller
arrived to work as pastor and school teacher.
The church as officially organized in October 1890 and named Friedens
Evangelical Church. Members not of German heritage misunderstood the name, and
the deed named it the German Evangelical Freemans Church. The church building
was little more than a shell, without a ceiling or interior furnishings. During
the tenure of Rev. Tesch, the church added a steeple and 16 ft. addition. The
church was incorporated in 1899, and in 1904, the church was separated from the
school. In 1911, a new church was built along with a Browns Prairie School
building thus forever separating the church and school. Originally held in
German, with one English service a month beginning in 1922, church services
gradually transitioned to English by 1960. The church name was changed to
Friedens United Church of Christ until 1995, when it was renamed Friedens
Church of Washington, UCC. This historic church is a reminder of the area's
German heritage and legacy. (2014).