The History and Story of Polk Grove UCC In 1812 pioneers began celebrating their bountiful harvests in a cabin and grove donated by Daniel Waymire. The church-cabin also served as a school. In 1816, the original 33 members named themselves the Lower Stillwater Christian Church. They worshiped in either the Waymire cabin or the farmhouse of Anthony Coble, now Aullwood. The harvest meetings became known as annual basket meetings because people bringing baskets of food, came to renew their spiritual growth. The 1896 basket meeting was called the Great Polk Grove Exposition! Over 10,000 persons attended the fair-exhibits-revival. The baskets meetings continued in various forms until the 1950's. In 1839, it was decided to build a brick church. By Dec. 9, 1843, 435.00 dollars was pledged and the church was completed in 1844 through donated labor and materials. Our church has been designated by the local historical society as one of the oldest sanctuaries in continuous use. The church probably so-named because James Polk gave a political speech in the grove while the church was being built. Another ledged tells of the abundance of poke berry stalks in the grove, making our church look like a poke church. Our church experienced many changes in name and size. In 1931, the name changed to a Congregational Christian Church. In 1952 a building addition consisting of the fellowship hall, kitchen and classrooms was dedicated. In 1958, the Congregational Christian Churches merged with the Evangelical and Reformed Churches and we became a United Church of Christ. In 1964 our church expanded to include the offices and more classrooms. Our most recent addition, the new fellowship hall and kitchen were dedicated in 1980. One of the wonderful things about this church is the diversity of our Church family, united in one Christ. On this Web Sight you will see people that come from all walks of life with different gifts and abilities. You will also see young and old, male and female, working together as the body of Christ.
