St. Jacob's congregation was organized in the early 1820s by the Rev. William Weinel. The earliest record is that of a baptism on July 18, 1822, and the first Communion was held in May of 1823 when 24 persons were confirmed and 40 members communed.

The first church was a very primitive one, a plain log building or meeting house as it was called, with crude benches for pews. There were no stoves or heaters, not even a chimney, and in cold weather, services were discontinued. It was a common saying among the people that when the first cold wind blew from the north, Rev. Weinel would not be seen any more until the south wind returned.

About the year 1840, the Reformed people, together with the Lutherans, erected a plain building, the material being taken from the woods nearby. It was weather-boarded and painted white, and for many years went by the name, "White Church."

The first Lutheran and Reformed Church stood were the South Bend Cemetery is now located. There were three churches in the Charge; South Bend, Zion Valley and Mount Union. They all had separate times for their services. The relationship between the Lutheran and the Reformed members was exceedingly cordial. The rights of each party were respected by the other, and they lived and labored as brethern. The first church was organized by Rev. J. G. Shoemaker by direction of the Clarion Classis on June 20, 1862.

Some of the members of the early church were: Henry Allshouse, James Wherry, Ellwood Wherry, James Frantz, Reuben Allshouse, Joe Allshouse, Jacob Silvis, Leah Silvis, Harriet George, Phoebe Frantz, Daniel King, Jacob King, William King, Simon King, Philip Smith, Anna Beighley, Uriah Rupert, Franz Allshouse, R. B. Lensingbigler, Jacob Beighley, A. J. Kunkle, William J. Silvis, Hiram Klingensmith, Absolam Klingensmith, Josiah Rupert, and E. T. Smith.

The last act of the Lutherans and the Reformed members of the White Church was to dispose of it at public auction. The Lutherans and the Reformed had worshipped together for 38 years. The Articles of Agreement were made and conducted on the fourth day of April, 1890. On June 12, 1890, a deed was signed and recorded by James Rupert, a Justice of the Peace.

When the cornstone for St. Jacob's was laid in May, 1890, a Bible, a Sunday School book and some money were placed in it. Mr. Saul Rupert built the foundation wall. Mr. Franklin Laughlin built the church. Mr. Laughlin and Rev. Christian Gumbert designed the ornate and beautiful ceiling. The windows of the church were nearly all donated by members. The entire construction of the church cost $3,200.

The building lies in the shape of a cross, having an auditorium, a lecture room and a vestibul. Rest Rooms and a small class room have been added.

The altar furniture has never been changed. The chairs were re-upholstered in 1963 by Roy Rearick, son of Mr. and Mrs. Wilbert Rearick. The communion table, the lectern, pulpit and baptismal stand were made by Daniel King. They cost $75. Mr. King donated $25 back to the church.

Mrs. Brody Lensingbigler donated the large chandelier which hangs from the ceiling almost in the middle of the church. Mrs. Lensingbigler bought the chandelier at a salvage sale in Johnstown after the terrible flood.

Mrs. Frantz Allshouse gave a bell to the church, which has been rung to call the people to worship for many years. Mrs. Allshouse paid for the bell by keeping boarders and renting rooms to traveling salesmen.

The church was dedicated in September, 1891 and Rev. Christian Gumbert was the pastor. Hallie Rupert Silvis, Sadie and Maria Smith sang special numbers for the service.

Jesse Lensingbigler was the first baby to be baptized in the new church. James Smith and Charles Wherry were the first confirmed. The first church wedding was Jean Laughlin, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Franklin Laughlin to Earl Calhoun. The oldest member of the church is Mrs. Cora Anderson and Mrs. Ed Boyer has been a member for the longest number of years. The present number of members is 110.

St. Jacob's Consistory In 1965
Front: Eugene Yount, Wendell Rupert, Ronald Townsend (Rev. John Kautz)
Rear: Neal Espey, Lyle Riggle, James Dunmire