In 1907, the Wilmington Congregation was organized.
Eight families and eleven single persons joined the congregation at this time, and they were named the "Charter Members". There are still members of the congregation today that are related to those founding members.
In 1908, it was decided that a church needed to be built since the homes that they were holding services in prior were becoming too small for the growing congregation. The building was a log structure that stood roughly ten feet high on the inside. It was finished sometime during the winter months, between the end of 1908, or beginning of 1909. Pastor Holey was the founding Pastor and he served many other communities and churches aside from Wilmington. The basement of today's present church was completed in 1914 and the cornerstone was laid in May of 1915. During this time, there were many weddings and confirmation classes held within the church.
In 1928, it was decided to complete the church. Building operations began in October of that year. It was then completed in January of 1929. Later in 1934, there was a realignment of the congregation and Cherry, Timber Creek, and Zoar joined with Wilmington to form one parish. Throughout the years to follow, there were many updates and memorials added to the church. Some of those included bookshelves, church signs, the lighted cross, altar carpet, and ceiling fans just to name a few.
In 1987, Wilmington voted on the merger to join the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA). In 1997, Zoar Church voted to join Wilmington. The Sunday School, LYO, and Confirmation had already been previously united.
Throughout the following years, many generous donations allowed for major upgrades which gives us the beautiful church we gather in today. There have been many Pastors that have served Wilmington throughout the years, and we are so grateful their guidance.
By God's grace Wilmington congregation was established here on the prairies and in His grace, it has been sustained and has grown and developed. The foundation has been laid to give our children and grandchildren Christian instruction and conviction so they may become pillars of strength which make it possible for the church to continue to be the "guiding light" in our community.
