Faith, family and friendliness have sustained the Mount Zion United Methodist Church congregation since its formation in 1847.

In 1999, the West Lafayette church continues that tradition as it celebrates the 100th anniversary of the building that was once called 'The Friendly White Church on the Corner.'

For members Alan and Grace Morehouse, the church is fraught with history. As unofficial church historians, they are eager to share its stories.

'This church is like my home,' said Alan, 76. 'It's just off Morehouse Road, which was named after my great-grandpa Levi Morehouse.'

'The church is special to me. I've been part of it for most of my life.'

Grace, a member for 35 years, said a special celebration is planned September 17. All former members and ministers are invited to attend, she said.

'We are very friendly and supportive of each other in this church,' said Grace, 85. 'We are interested in each others' everyday lives and problems.'

'We might again start calling ourselves the Friendly White Church on the Corner.'

Formed by four farmers who lived close to the present site of the church, the congregation has exceeded its rural roots. Professional people and Purdue students mix easily with working families, said 35-year member Vera Epperson.

'This congregation has evolved from being a rural or farming community church to people who work in town,' Epperson said.

'All four of my kids grew up in this church. It is family-oriented, and I don't just mean blood relatives. As new people come into the church, they become family.'

Pastor Dwight Monical has been with Mount Zion for 14 years. The church's 40 members continually warm his heart.

'There is a real emphasis on unity, but we're different in ages and outlook, and that is OK,' Monical said. 'We believe in one another and care for one another.'

Monical said the church building has been awarded a plaque from the Wabash Valley Trust for Historic Preservation for its historic significance.

:: A Peek At The Church's Past :: Grace Morehouse, an unofficial historian of Mount Zion United Methodist Church, dug up some tidbits on the church's history: The church cost $2,000 to build in 1899, including the colorful stained glass windows. 'Farmers brought building materials in their wagons, so that cut down on expenses,' she said. The church's Ladies Aid group made the biggest pledge of $300. 'They made 875 sun bonnets selling for 25 cents to raise part of their pledge,' Morehouse said. 'The women then took their horses and buggies and stopped at each farm houses to sell the bonnets.' The church didn't have a basement in the early days, so the women would carry their pots and pans to Klondike School to cook weekly chicken dinners. The church won honorable mention in a national farming magazine that held a contest for best landscaping at rural churches. Much of the landscaping remains. 'John Trost planned and planted around our church, and we were mentioned in the magazine,' Morehouse said. 'People were proud of that.' -- Bob Scott

'The sanctuary is rounded seating like a quarter of a circle,' he said. 'A white, wood-sided square was the original bilding. Then, they added a baesment in the '30s and doubled the space with an educational building in 1964.'

'The steeple, which was replaced once after being hit by high winds, has a bell tower, too.'

Monical invited the public, especially young people, to come to Sunday church services, which start at 10:30 a.m.

'We do traditional, but contemporary music with bass and keyboards' he said. 'We try to choose songs that you and children like.'

'Everybody is welcome.'