ABOUT
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OUR MISSION STATEMENT We at Altarstar Methodist Church are a supportive, family-oriented, rural Christian community seeking to serve God by using our gifts and talents, as shown by the life of Jesus Christ, to further the Kingdom of God. A CENTURY IN REVIEW "The little church at the crossroads." On June 9, 1862, Mr. and Mrs. George West sold 1/4 acre of land in Butler Township, DeKalb County, Indiana, to the trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church for $10.00. The land was used to erect a church called Cedar Chapel Methodist Church. The Rev. J. Stoner, C. Viberg, J. Moody, E. Freeman and S. Douglas were the first trustees of Cedar Chapel Church. A frame building was constructed and dedicated, after the Civil War, about 1867. Although, the church was used for many years, attendance slumped, forcing a discontinuation of services. One of the neighbors told of a flock of sheep taking shelter in the building. In 1885 the Rev. William Meese held a revival service and was instrumental in having the church reopened for worship. By 1890, progress was significant enough to require a remodeling program. In 1940 the church was wired for electricity. The wiring and fixtures cost $70.00. Other remodeling programs were conducted in 1947 and 1956. The Church at Butler Center was built on land donated by John Heitz. Records show that the first meeting of its board of trustees was on November 21, 1894. The two congregations officially chose to merge by a vote on February 26, 1961, with 92% of the votes favoring merger, with the church to convene at the site of the former Cedar Chapel building. The Altarstar Methodist Church began its ministry to the community June 4, 1961. All members of the two churches became charter members of Altarstar. The name Altarstar represents the centrality of the altar and the presence of God, the Star is symbolic of our focus on Christ, even as the star shown over Bethlehem in the first Christmas Eve. |
PASTOR WELCOME I consider it a privilege to greet you and welcome you as our guest. I hope your visit to Altarstar is encouraging and enriching. People matter to us here at Altarstar. As we fulfill our purpose to love God and love our neighbor as ourselves, and as we share Christ and the Good News of salvation that He comes to us, we believe all people need to hear and be encouraged to hear of Christ. It is our intent to lift Christ up so that He might draw us closer to Him. We want you to experience our Congregational life in Him. Our prayer is that you experience His warmth and friendship as we have and feel at home with us. May God Bless you and keep you unto Himself. Sincerely in Christ, Pastor Tom Bergman FROM THE CONGREGATION The members of this church welcome you. We consider it a privilege to have you worship with us and sincerely hope you get a blessing from the service. It is our desire to be a friendly people, giving positive Christian witness in the spirit of worship. If the church can serve you in anyway, we will welcome the opportunity. If you are making your home in this community we extend to you an invitation to make this your church home. If you are visiting with family or friends, we hope that you have an enjoyable stay and pray for safe travel home. Please feel free to call us with any questions you may have about our services and activities. 
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