In June of 1964 the first gathering of the Evangelical United Brethren West Side Mission Church was
held in a meeting room at Chalet Gardens on Verona Road. From this initial strategy session, a new
Church was formed and formal worship services began on September 20, 1964. Despite temporary and simple
facilities, this small worshipping community had the faith and vision to recognize the need for a new
congregation to serve Madison's southwest side.
The congregation consisted of the Reverend and Betty Messerschmidt, Rennie and Galena Lange, Stanley and Lynn Walz, Gordon and Buda Sylvester, Fred and Betty Terbilcox and Delbert and Marjorie Kuehne. The first worship service took place on September 20, 1964. Sunday school classes were held in an empty room. During this time the Adult class met for Bible study in the restaurant lounge. These facilities were used for the next two and a half years. During this time a Parsonage was built at 2222 Prairie Road and was dedicated by Superintendent Willard Schulz on November 28, 1965.
Plans were also in process for a new structure for the congregation. The plans were put together by the
Architectural firm of Peters & Martinsen. The vision and commitment came together in ground breaking
ceremonies on a bitterly cold day (-10 degrees) on the 20th of February, 1966 at 6402 Hammersley Road.
Rev. Willard Schulz and Rev. Lowell Messerschmidt turned the first shovelfulls of dirt. On that chilly
day the congregation became officially known as Divine Savior Church.
One year later on February 26, 1967 the Divine Savior congregation consecrated its new worship facility. With a keen awareness of the opportunities for ministry and mission, the small congregation looked with faith and optimism to the future. When the Evangelical United Brethren and Methodist churches merged in 1968, our church became Divine Savior United Methodist.
On June 25, 1969 an arson fire destroyed the very center of the new church structure. Extensive damage
dislocated the congregation from its facilities forcing everyone in the church back into temporary
accommodations for worship, education and fellowship. The fire caused $58,000 in damage and the members
were ordered to leave the building by the insurance company. The Asbury United Methodist Church welcomed
us to their services for the summer. The congregation felt, however, that it would not be able to grow in
this situation. Therefore, the congregation rented a room at the Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ
Church on Barton Road for our own worship services and Church school classes.
In May of 1970 the congregation was able to move back into the rebuilt sanctuary. A Consecration service was held on May 25, 1970 with the assistance of Bishop Ralph T. Alton. During the summer of 1970 the church was faced with an additional challenge. The city of Madison began a nine month reconstruction project on Hammersley Road effectively eliminating direct access to the church. These events and other challenges were discouraging to the members but helped bring unity to the church during the 1970's.
The 1980's dawned with a renewed sense of opportunity and mission. Significant improvements were made in
the physical structure and facilities. A wonderful pipe organ was installed to add to the joy and harmony
of worship. Throughout the decade, awareness of mission opportunity propelled the congregation to expand
programming and ministry. The resulting atmosphere of faithfulness became contagious. By the end of 1980's
the congregation was experiencing significant growth in spirit and membership.
The 1990's have proven to be the most exciting and challenging for the church. In the early 1990's it was evident that the congregation needed to look for a larger building to worship. After pursuing expansion plans, church property on the corner of Rosa Road and South Hill Drive came on the market. In 1992, with careful consideration, the congregation voted to purchase and relocate to 5702 South Hill Drive. Since the relocation, the church has been expanded to include additional space for offices and meetings. The most exciting growth was in the congregation itself at this time. The church hired a professional staff that includes the Pastor, Christian Education Director, Youth Ministry Director, Organist/Choir Director, Preschool & Child Care and Staff, Bookkeeper, Janitorial staff, and full time Office Manager.
Divine Savior is looking forward to expanding its mission work both locally and internationally. Many exciting service opportunities await those who attend the church. We look forward to continued growth this year and hope that you will be a part of our friendly congregation for many years.
Pastoral History
