Sunday, May 18, 2008 approximately 100 people gathered in the small sanctuary of the Pembine Church to celebrate 100 years of ministry.  The 8:30 a.m. worship service celebrated the occasion with special music and  guest speakers, some who travelled from the east coast.  There were lots of stories shared as the members “extended a hand, a smile and a heartfelt welcome to all.” 

The following brief history was part of the sharing:

The First Presbyterian Church became active in Pembine in 1902 when the Reverend C.P. Andrews of the Amberg Presbyterian Church  came to conduct services in the one room schoolhouse on the north edge of town.

In the spring of 1908, a small group consisting of William Vanderlinder, George Willis, H.B. Huber and Victor Lundgren met to discuss organizing a Presbyterian Church in Pembine.

The Pembine Presbyterian Church came into official existence on May 14, 1908 when a Certificate of Organization was drawn up and filed in the office of the Secretary of State in Madison.  This certificate was signed by William Vanderlinder, George Willis, Sr. and H. B. Huber.  It was taken before Notary Public John Stoveken of Pembine who witnessed it before George Weycker and Anna Dixon (Mrs. Charles Stoveken).

The officers of the church puchased lots 25 and 26 from J. B. Goodman.  Construction began in the spring of 1913.  Most of the work was done by men and boys of the church and community who donated both time and materials freely and generously.  It did become necessry to borrow money to finish the building, and in July of the same year, three hundred dollars was borrowed to complete the project.

 The congregation moved into the new building in late 1913 or spring of 1914 where services are still held today.

In 1983, two bathrooms were added along with an addition to the basement to include a kitchen. 

During the early years, the pastors usually came from Amberg by train to hold services; but ministers were required to have a horse and buggy and many times during the summer they drove to Pembine to hold services, stayed overnight, and returned to Amberg the next day.  Records for the years 1918 to 1927 were stored in the office of the depot and burned in a fire.

Even more stories were shared following worship as everyone enjoyed refreshments.