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Darlene remembers when the church hosted revivals each year in Milltown. At a revival in 1955, “The revival leader painted a portrait of Jesus during the service. And it’s still hanging here,” she said. Dennis’ wife, Theresa, also has a life-long connection to the church. Her father, grandfather, great grandfather, and cousins were all brought up in the Milltown church. “I remember my mother ran a little grocery store here in Milltown and I remember the little white school house in town. Over the years, I also remember the sad days, the funerals. The church pews were full on those days,” she said. Darlene said, “There used to be so many farms around with large families. As people left when farms began to get larger and farm families began to be smaller, it became harder and harder to hold good numbers in here.”

When the church lost its regular pastor about 15 years ago, Darlene’s late husband, Bill, was determined that the faith community of Milltown UBC would continue. Dennis said, “Darlene’s husband charged ahead to set up a system of rotating ministers. So the Good Lord has provided for someone to bring us the message here for the last 14 or 15 years.” This revolving set of three ministers delivers the message on the first, second and fourth Sundays of the month at 8:30 a.m. The ministers are Willmer Herr, David Guericke and Maurice Bieber. Willmer Herr has been preaching part-time for the congregation for 14 years. On the third Sunday of the month, the church meets at 7:00 in the evening when the service features traditional gospel music – almost like an old-time revival meeting. The band, led by Maurice Bieber and The Happy Memories Band from Tripp, usually provides the music those nights. (When there’s a fifth Sunday in the month, the church usually holds an evening service as well.) The evening worship draws a good crowd of people, many of whom are members at other local churches. One of the group’s favorite songs is “Shall We Gather At The River,” appropriate on the banks of James River. Darlene is the church’s lead organizer and makes sure local newspapers include information on their services. The church no longer leaves its doors unlocked, but contact information for Darlene and other members is posted on the door in case someone has a need to use the sanctuary for prayer. The doors may be locked from Monday to Saturday, “but we’re not closed to anyone. We try to be here for people,” Dennis said. The church began its mission in 1876 when a small group of believers gathered. They became more organized in 1878 and constructed a church building in 1880. The United Brethren continue to meet in the same building, with the same pews and the same hardwood floor they’ve always had. Like the congregation itself, the physical structure was made to last. The Milltown United Brethren in Christ building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2007. Even though the structure is small, Dennis said there’s a lot of upkeep and repair necessary for a 141-year-old building.

Milltown UBC members Theresa and Dennis Schutt and Darlene Juhnke.

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