The Beginnings at Rose of Sharon Church

The history of our Rose of Sharon Church began in 1847, when Daniel Shreffler, his wife and one son arrived in Plainfield on their way to the west. They stayed in Plainfield because of the tall timbers, wild grasses and the open fields. Also, the black soil was good.

Father Shreffler, as he was known, preached to his family every night, as he was an Elder in good standing in the Evangelical Class. A short time later, Rev. George Mottinger and his family arrived from Ohio. They stayed because of the Shrefflers.

The Evangelical Class was formed. They met in homes and in Schoolhouses until there were 100 members in the group and they felt the need for a church of their own. Father Shreffler and Rev. Mottinger were the two men who were the force behind the building of Sharon Chruch. A canvas was made of all members and $125.00 was raised to purchase "an acre or so of land" on the southeast corner of Dillman and Lockport Road. (A copy of the deed is on display in Jacob Albright Hall.)

By November 6, 1855 a building of peg construction and oak beam, with square lap siding was dedicated debt free. The cost was $4,000.00.

In 1856, the Sunday school was organized. Men were the teachers and were examined by the conference twice a year. At a much later date, women were allowed to teach.

During 1860 when J. J. Esher was Pastor, plans were completed through the Illinois Conference to build a college in Plainfield. Plainfield Village, knowing the need for a school of higher learning, offered a parcel of land and a partially completed building across from the church to the Conference. (This is the current site of Plainfield’s Central Grade School.) The only request was that the college should be known as Plainfield College.

The college was opened in 1861, in time for the fall enrollment. There were 243 students and 3 faculty members. There was also a very close association with Sharon Chruch.

In 1867, the College was moved to Naperville, because of poor transportation into Plainfield.

On Memorial Day, 2001 (5/28) Rose of Sharon UMC lost a key link to our roots. This was the day that Ferne Bronk died. She was a direct descendent of Daniel Schreffler who, along with her late husband, Lavergne, was very active in the church. She taught Sunday School for forty years. She supported Red Bird Mission since the 1920’s and continues to do so through her estate. There was so much more, too. Always outgoing, warm and caring, we miss her.

SOURCE: A Brief History of the "Rose of Sharon" United Methodist Church by Mrs. Esther Modine, October 1988.