The inspiration to establish a Reformed Church in East Toledo came first to Mr. J. Herman Overbeck about 1899. Several members of First Reformed Church became interested also. It was not until May 7, 1899, however, shortly after Mr. Overbeck’s death, that a meeting attended by Rev. Henry Gersmann, pastor of First Church and these members, Eberhard Gerkens, John Olrich, Frederick Dahn, August H. Overbeck, Karl S. Benner, an dWhilhelm A. Dahlmyer, was held to make this hope a reality. This committee immediately set out to provide a church building. It became known that Mr. Overbeck’s intention to donate two lots at Greenwood and Nasby (now Valleywood Dr. ) would be carried out by his children and the committee immediately decided to locate there.

Funds for the building were donated chiefly by Mr. Gerkens, Mr. Olrich and Rev. Gersmann. Mr. Frederick Dahn donated considerable labor. The Reformed Church at Haskins donated the bell. The building contract was let June 18, 1899 , at a cost of $2,016.54. The completed building, fully paid for, was dedicated on November 12 th, 1899 from which date we count our anniversaries.

Rev. Gersmann and Rev. Wernly alternated in conducting services until the Spring of 1900. On Palm Sunday, April 8, 1900 , the congregation was formally organized with a membership of 37, and adopted the name “German Evangelical Reformed Memorial Church”.

The dream of a new church was realized when the present site at Starr and Plymouth was chose in June 1921 and the building was formally dedicated to the glory of God on February 26, 1922 .

In 1943, Memorial took a historical step that might be decribed as her "coming of age" for it was then that she went to full self-support, after having been a mission church for more than 40 years. In 1944, the property adjacent to the church on Starr Avenue was acquired to provide a parsonage yard and garage, much needed Sunday school rooms and the eventual site of an education unit for the church.

In May of 1957 the congregation approved the construction of a new educational wing, and on August 18, 1957, ground was broken. This new building, costing almost $130,000 was completely furnished and opened for use on November 2, 1958.

Another event in our history whereby another church distinctly touched the life of Memorial involved Second Congregational Church, then on Fourth Street. Circumstances forced Second Congregational to disband about 1970. Before that sad event, however, Memorial members invited any or all members of "Second Con" as it was commonly called, to a lasting fellowship with us. Many responded. This unofficial melding of two congregations resulted in added strength and missionary zeal to congregational life by virtue of the deppened fellowship and the practical experience of Christians coming together.

During the year 1972, extensive remodeling and redecorating of the entire sanctuary was completed. For example, the installation of new pews created a center aisle, the color of the chancel area was changed from dark to the present white.

Pastors:

Rev. Henry O. Jorris 1909 - 1917
Rev. O. M. Pioch 1919 - 1926
Rev. Perry H. Baumann 1926 - 1939
Rev. C. Kent Chidester 1940 - 1952
Rev. Harold W. Theidt 1952 - 1960
Rev. C. T. Roeck 1960 (interim)
Rev. K. David Schlundt 1961 - 1964
Rev. Henry W. Haberkamp 1964 (interim)
Rev. Eugene E. Hegemier 1965 - 1972
Rev. Calvin O. Gerber 1973 - 1987
Rev. James Cunningham 1987 (interim)
Rev. E. Jena Garrison 1988 - 2000
Rev. Susan Taylor 2000 (interim)
Rev. Ed Shelley 2001 (interim)
Rev. Nancy Prout 2002 - 2003
Rev. Don Corbin 2004 -

Source: 90 yr anniversary Treasured Hymnal and documents courtesy of Henry Moyer