GERMAN REFORMED CHURCH 1870-1996

The Brownhelm Station Church, located at 1355 Claus Road in Vermilion, is a quaint, pristine country church with an amazing history of survival. Many German families settled in the Brownhelm area and the German Reformed Church, or E&R Church, was established to meet the spiritual needs of the community. The property was donated in 1870 by Paul and Catherine Leimbach who lived just south of the location. The cornerstone marking the date can be found on the southwest corner. It was an active church until 1996.

In 1996, the German Evangelical and Reformed Church was offered to the Brownhelm Historical Association by its last three remaining church members with the hope that it could be preserved. Since then, the BHA has strived to keep the building as close to original as possible. During restoration of the exterior in 1999 a fire caused severe structural and smoke damage to the church. Subsequent repairs not only kept its historic integrity, but also made the building sound again.

A year later, its new doors opened to greet visitors to the Brownhelm Heritage Museum. The name was changed to Brownhelm Station Church in 2023 to reflect the community at large.

The BHA is grateful and committed to preserve this historic site. Please plan on a visit and when you walk through the doors you will appreciate the feeling of stepping back in time to a very quiet, amazing, peaceful place.

To schedule a visit, please leave a voicemail or text 440-574-9398 or email brownhelm12@roadrunner.com.