After a growing opposition to the gospel ministry by the Methodist affiliation, the congregation entered into the fellowship of the Evangelical Free Church in June of 1945. This move allowed for a new freedom to preach the Word and opened the doors for abundant blessing.

The church became the Sheboygan Evangelical Free Church in 1946, meeting at the previous Methodist church building at 1603 South Ninth Street. Moving to a new building was what their congregation needed to continue the ministry and work that the Lord had for them. Pictured is Vacation Bible School 1945.

Pastor Mooney and his wife, Winifred, had a very clear concept of building a Christian Youth center along with a new church building for worship. The church proceeded in faith and watched the Lord provide. Construction began on December 6, 1946 (groundbreaking ceremony pictured). The new building was built across the street from the first church building, at 1552 South Ninth Street.

As accounts came due, prayer services were held. Even the weather was obedient to the Lord, as it once rained on all sides of the construction site, but not one drop on the new building. Building shortages were overcome as God miraculously provided (end of World War II).

On February 27, 1949 dedication services were held with Dr. A.E. Hallen (President of the Evangelical Free Church of America) speaking (pictured seated on the platform with Pastor Mooney standing at the pulpit).

The Christian Youth Center was formally opened a month later on March 31, 1949. Thousands of young people have enjoyed its facilities and several hundred teenagers and their parents accepted Christ through its ministries over the years. The Youth Center continued for about 25 years in this location.

Both the Youth Center and the Church grew until, in 1961, it was necessary to double the size of the building.

During the mid 1950’s, the youth ministry became affiliated with Youth for Christ International, and in the late 1960’s the local Board of Directors adjusted to include men from other churches. This was done in an attempt to make the ministry truly non-denominational and to be more acceptable as an independent youth organization. Eventually the Christian Youth Center gave birth to an independent ministry to young people, Sheboygan County Campus Life, which is today still reaching students for Christ.

In the mid-1970s church growth led to the purchase of a former discount store at 1710 North 15th, our current location. It was purchased from the University of Chicago at a miracle price of $250,000. The store was then renovated by the congregation members at a cost of $350,000.

Our first service was held in 1976 on Thanksgiving Day without carpet and much of the finishing. On December 12, 1976 work was completed and we moved in permanently. 

In 1989, with our mortgage being paid off, we built an addition for 1.3 million dollars. The 1989 addition included a new Multi-Purpose Room, staff office area, and all the basement Christian Education space. By God’s grace, this new addition was paid off by 2005.

Our congregation has been led by four Senior Pastors: Pastor Ellis Mooney, Pastor Terry Parks, Pastor Ed Kaylor, and Pastor Dr. Gary Hylander (starting in late 1996).

In October of 2006, church growth required the addition of a third service. The “traditional” service remains in the original sanctuary while the “contemporary” service meets in the Multi-Purpose Room.

Our congregation has an incredible history of taking courageous steps to maximize our effectiveness in “Multiplying committed followers of Jesus Christ”. After much prayer and discussion, in 2015, church elders approved the creation of a Master Plan Team to renovate our building for increased effectiveness in serving and ministering.

The first phase, including the installation of the new West parking lot, was completed in 2018.

In October 2022, Phase 2 construction began. We made significant improvements and transformed our space to improve our ability to minister to Sheboygan County and the world.

In September 2023, we began utilizing our new Commons, secure Kids Ministry wing and updated Worship Center. We are excited to see how God will use us to help build God’s kingdom.