Pastors Who Have Served Jacksonport

1889 D.C. Savage; 1889 F. Binder; 1890 C.P. Cheeseman; 1892 J.S. Neff; 1895 J.A. Vincent; 1897 Onnie Smith; 1899 Joseph Conway; 1900 Elijah Ware; 1903 D.O. Sanborn; 1905 W.J. Olmsted; 1906 D. Woodward; 1908 J.T. Leek; 1911 Jason Sizer; 1913 L.E. Shanks; 1915 E.J. Symons; 1920 J.S. Ellis; 1922 Walter Patton; 1924 John Bowden; 1930 Orval Dittes; 1932 Albert Tink; 1934 Theo. Runyon; 1939 George Warren; 1955 I. Dean Jordan; 1962 Paul Mekkelson; 1965 Donald Stannard; 1971 David Harsh; 1978 Marilyn & Richard Rushton; 1986 William Dushek; 1994 Ken Boettcher; Mel Hendricks, Joseph Mitchell, David Leistra.

The present Jacksonport United Methodist Church took root back in the 1880’s out of a blend of ecclesiastical groups that found their way to this area. The Catholic Church appeared in 1882, an Evangelical Congregation was formed in West Jacksonport (now a part of the Egg Harbor United Methodist Church) in 1886, Zion Lutheran began I 1889, and the Episcopal Church held its first service July, 1886. Those people not falling into the above categories began meeting in a school house and Good Templar’s’ Hall and were served by Baptist, Congregational, Presbyterian, and Methodist pastors. After a few years of varying beliefs and liturgy, the group made a choice as to which denomination they would be.

With a desire to maintain a strong abstinence stand from alcoholic beverages, the group became a Methodist congregation. In the mid 1880’s, Rev. D.C. Savage, a Methodist minister came to the area and a Sunday School was begun, with Harry Wilson as the first teacher. Regular church services were held once a month in the school house. In 1889, the Jacksonport Church was combined with the Sturgeon Bay Methodist Church with the pastor serving one third time in Jacksonport, a providing worship the second Sunday of each month.

With a membership roll and pastor, the church needed a building. Land was donated by Joseph (the Cedar King) and Maggie Smith. Most of the lumber, materials and labor were furnished by the church members, and in July of 1891, the foundation was completed. It took until January 1, 1893 to put the finishing touches on the building.

The church represents the Quaker leanings of one of the founders and builders in its simplicity. The entire atmosphere reflects this in its small, but adequate entrance hall, the straight pews, the white alter rail and pulpit, and the original Epworth reed organ. Everything conveys the feeling of simplicity that has continued since 1893.

Worship Services

The first Easter service in the church was held in April, 1893, led by Rev. J.S. Neff. For many years the congregation was a large flourishing one, but shared a pastor with Sturgeon Bay. In 1896, Jacksonport severed that connection, and shared a pastor with Fish Creek. Later, Egg Harbor and Kangaroo Lake were added. From 18896-1906, the pastor lived in Jacksonport, but eventually the church was again assigned to Sturgeon Bay.

After 1906, services were held mid-week, in the evenings since the horse trip on Sundays from Sturgeon Bay would take too long. When cars were available, Sunday afternoon services began. Finally, Sunday morning services were inaugurated.

Since the church structure was completed in 1893, some changes and improvements have been made. An oil stove replaced the wood stove in the 1940’s. The two ornate chancel chairs were donated in about 1949. In the summer of 1955, new shingles were put on the entrance and carpet was installed inside. In May of 1958, a new roof was installed and a cedar roof in 1995. In 1960, a new exterior cross was fastened to the church, and a table bearing the replica of the Last Supper holding a pewter communion service was donated. In 1973, the candelabra were donated, the baptismal font in 1985, and wall hung oil lamps in 1995.

A shed in the back was added in the 2000’s, and then a well was sunk. The church had 4 electrical outlets installed and the stove was replaced with a propane stove. In the 2010’s, sidewalks around the building were built to access a new brick patio with brick benches used for after church fellowship, 5 memorial trees were planted. New upholstery was accomplished for the pew pads. In the entrance foyer, storage cabinets with white wainscoting were built for extra chairs and supplies. Rain gutters were installed around the roof to direct rainwater away from the foundation.

The handicapped accessible ramp was upgraded allowing wheelchair access with durable plastic material.

In 2024, the original front door was replaced revealing deterioration of the sill plate and floor joists requiring extensive renovation. The original floor was replaced with matching wood.

The Trustees take the maintenance and upkeep of our treasure very seriously planning for future projects that maintain the original character of our founders.

This Epworth reed pump organ is the original. It is named after the English town of Epworth where the Wesley brothers were born. Charles Wesley was said to have written over 9000 tunes. Many of these Epworth organs were sold to church congregations.

The first organist was Mrs. J.A. Jones (1893-1902) followed by Mrs Thomas Bagnall (1901-1912). Lottie Halstead had the longest tenure (1912- mid 1960’s- over 50 years). Lottie also cleaned the church, provided flowers, visited members, and planned the Christmas Eve program. When she retired, several organists took over. Evelyn Mueller became organist in 1989. Dottie Shappell and Janet Lewis each had a stint. Cheryl Pfister has played the organ since about 2018.

This Epworth organ was found through its registration number to be manufactured by the Williams Organ Co in 1892 or 1893. It is registered with the Reed Organ Society.

Halstead Family

The Halsteads came to Jacksonport from Ontario in 1873 having first lived in New Brunswick. Brothers James and Alex arrived first followed by their parents William & Sarah two years later. The boys were initially involved with the Episcopal Church. Alex and wife Anna Jane joined the Methodist church where Alex was a Trustee. William and Sarah also affiliated with Jacksonport Methodist.

Two of Alex and Jenny’s children were married there: Anna married Ralph Herlache, and Elizabeth married Truman Bagnall. Elizabeth’s son, Frank married Lottie Logerquist at the Sturgeon Bay church. Frank’s son, Warren and wife Joyce were long time members.

Frank’s son Jim became a lay leader, and his wife Carol, the church treasurer. Their children Jim Jr (Tara) and Valerie Bauldry (Mark) are members. Mark & Val’s daughter Gwenn Bauldry Frye was married at the church.

Although some improvements have been made over the years, nothing has really changed. The foundation on which this building and congregation was formed is still the same and will continue. Members of the Jacksonport United Methodist Church, along with many summer visitors, family and friends still enjoy the heartwarming pump organ music, thoughtful sermons and warm friendship. They believe that the special old-fashioned feeling of faith that started this Church is strong, vibrant and alive.