United Church of Christ Statements:
Purpose (from the Gospel of Matthew): To love God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength and our neighbor as ourselves.
Vision: United in Christ’s love, a just world for all.
Mission : United in Spirit and inspired by God’s grace, we welcome all, love all, and seek justice for all.
Our church is a beautiful church in a beautiful natural setting. It is our “Little Church in the Wildwood” as the song goes. Looking back, from a small beginning to present day, we must say, “It is not by our might or power, but by God’s Spirit”. Looking forward into the future, we must say, “Not that we have already obtained, or made perfect but we press on, if so be that we may lay hold on that for which we were laid hold by Christ Jesus”.
Zoar Church, founded in 1844 by German immigrants in New Hanover, IL, has a long and meaningful history. The name Zoar—described in the Bible as meaning “a small, safe place” from Genesis 19:19–22—reflects the church’s identity as a welcoming spiritual home. The original log building was replaced in 1862 with the stone church still used today, located in a peaceful rural setting with a historic cemetery.
Zoar was established as a Reformed church from the German Evangelicals and Swiss Reformed doctrine. Later merged with Hungarian Reformed churches and Congregationalists. In 1957, the Evangelical and Reformed Church and the Congregational Christian Churches, joined together as the United Church of Christ. Two million members joined hands.
The church is a vibrant, growing congregation, emphasizing worship, fellowship, mission work, and cooperation with other UCC congregations. Members strive to reflect Christ’s love through year‑round activities and community engagement.
Zoar “continues to be a small, safe place where we experience God’s love in the midst of our church family.”
Pastor RJ Morgan
Pastor Morgan received God's call to ministry and attended Eden Theological Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, graduating in 2005. He was ordained at United Church of Paducah, Kentucky 2006 and served other churches prior to coming to Zoar, in 2010.
Fellowship Hall Rental & Weddings
Hall Rental
Fellowship Hall is available for a multitude of events. (Graduation, Birthday, Wedding, Funeral, Meeting, Reunions)
Open hall seating capacity is 215. Small meeting rooms 8 - 10.
Kitchen facilities, restrooms.
Contact: Ruthann Beard (618) 531-5986
Weddings
A beautiful location for a wedding, inside the church or outside, this is the perfect place.
Church seating 175. Organist and/or pianist available.
Contact: Pastor Morgan (618)‑939‑8479 and or Paige Mund Wedding Coordinator at 618-920-1049
