History Timeline
| 1829 |
James Walker came to this area and opened a sawmill. James’ father-in-law, Methodist circuit rider, Jesse Walker, began the first Methodist Class. Plainfield came to be known as the "Cradle of Methodism" in Northern Illinois. Walker founded many other congregations in Northern Illinois. |
| 1847 |
Shreffler family stops on their way to the west. They stay because of the tall timbers, wild grasses, open fields and good black soil.
details here
Rev. George Mottinger and his family arrived from Ohio. They also stayed because of the Shrefflers. Shreffler, an Elder in good standing in the Evangelical Class, and Mottinger form the first Evangelical Class, meeting in homes and Schoolhouses until, with 100 members, they felt the need for a church of their own. |
| 1855 |
“An acre or so of land” is purchased for the sanctuary. |
| 1855 |
 By November 5, 1855 a building of peg construction and oak beam, with square lap siding was dedicated debt free. The cost was $4,000.00.
details here |
| 1856 |
The Sunday school was organized. Male teachers were examined by the conference twice a year. At a much later date, women were allowed to teach. |
| 1858 |
Sharon Church is established as a Mission Church. |
| 1860 |
Under Pastor J. J. Esher, plans were completed through the Illinois Conference to build a college in Plainfield. Plainfield Village, offered a parcel of land and a partially completed building across from the church to the Conference (current site of Central Grade School) requesting only that the college should be known as Plainfield College. |
| 1861 |
 Plainfield College was opened in time for the fall enrollment with 243 students and 3 faculty members.
details here |
| 1863 |
Rose of Sharon Church is divided into German and English Missions. |
| 1877 |
The first parsonage is built. |
| 1900 |
 The Plainfield Sharon Evangelical Church Women’s Society is organized.
details here |
| 1921 |
Gas lights are installed in the sanctuary and parsonage. |
| 1945 |
 At an unknown date, after the end of World War II, this plaque was obtained listing those who served in this war.
details here |
| 1946 |
In Johnstown, Pennsylvania, The Evangelical Church and The United Brethren Church were united into The Evangelical United Brethren Church after twenty years of negotiation. |
| 1947 |
 The Sanctuary is converted into a divided chancel. An electric organ is installed, a gift of the Spangler/Bronk family.
details here |
| 1958 |
The Educational Building is dedicated debt free. |
| 1963 |
 The new brick parsonage is dedicated debt free.
details here |
| 1968 |
The Evangelical United Brethren Church and The Methodist Church were united into The United Methodist Church. |
| 1971 |
The Board of Trustees renovates the sanctuary. |
| 1981 |
 The Vacation Bible School completes the first stained glass panel, which is installed over a light box in the chancel. Note: For information on all the stained glass, see Heritage in Stained Glass.
details here |
| 1984 |
Stained glass windows in the bell tower, made by the High School class, are dedicated on Christmas Eve. |
| 1985 |
 The oak cross above the altar, made by Robert Yahnke, is dedicated in June. The memorial stained glass window behind the altar is dedicated on November 17.
details here |
| 1988 |
 Rose of Sharon United Methodist Church is dedicated as an Historical Church by the Northern Illinois Conference of the United Methodist Church, due in part to its role in founding Plainfield College in 1860.
details here |
| 1989 |
A Rogers digital organ is installed in the sanctuary. |
| 1990 |
August 18, work begins on the sanctuary renovation under the direction of renowned historical architect Michael Dixon of Dixon Associates, St. Charles, Illinois.
August 20, a deadly tornado strikes Plainfield killing 26. |
| 1998 |
Doug Booth exchanges politics for the pulpit. Former press secretary to Rep.
Dennis Hastert becomes Rev. Doug Boot and ministers to Sharon UMC |
| 2000 |
Republican Presidential candidate Texas Gov. George W. Bush and his vice presidential running mate Dick Cheney attend worship service at Sharon UMC. Mrs. Laura Bush, Mrs. Lynne Cheney, House Speaker Dennis Hastert and U.S. Rep Judy Biggert also attended the service |
| 2005 |
2005 On November 6, 2005, Sharon Church celebrated the 150th anniversary with a special worship service and coffee hour, a display of photo albums, artifacts and posters featuring the church, the pastors, the congregation, and Plainfield through the years. In the evening a potluck dinner was enjoyed with a German emphasis in honor of our German heritage, followed by a skit performed by our Sunday School children, where they also performed a bible song in German |
| 2006 |
The annual Chicken Noodle Supper is served for the 92nd consecutive year. |
| 2008 |
 The Plainfield Historical Society Cemetery Walk featured Daniel and Catharine Shreffler, one of the founding families that helped form Sharon Evangelical Church, now Sharon UMC. This devoted couple often comforted the weary Gospel Heralds in soul and body. Catharine is buried next to Daniel in the Plainfield Township Cemetery. Their tombstones have shifted over the years and now lean towards one another. |
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Sheila Wiegman is ordained.