Inspired and challenged by the message of our LORD and Saviour Jesus Christ, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…” a few dedicated missionaries from Germany came to Karnataka way back in 1834. The fruit of Rev Samuel Hebich’s first visit to Dharwad in 1835-36 gave a head start to the missionary work here. It was in the year 1837 that Dharwad gained recognition as the official Basel Mission headquarters.
Around the same time, another missionary Rev Layer preached the gospel in villages in and around Dharwad like- Narendra , Mummigatti, Kotur, Salkinkopp, Mugad, Halekopp, Killerhri. The dedicated, committed and selfless work of missionaries like Rev.Dr. Mogling, Rev.Lenher, Rev Herman Risch, Rev.Dr Ferdinand Kittel, Rev F.Ziegler set a firm foundation for the growth of the church in Dharwad.
December 14, 1895, stand out as letters marked in gold in the annals of the church. It was on this day that the church was dedicated to the service of our LORD and Saviour Jesus Christ. As the mission centre at Dharwad began to grow, the missionaries and the new members of the congregation felt the need for a place for worship. Rev Lenher along with the fellow missionaries, and help from the members of the local church and aid from the government, embarked on the task of constructing the church in its present site. The construction work which began in 1844 was completed on 13th December 1845 and dedicated the very next day.
Built along the line of European architecture, the early Church stood tall and stately at 25 feet, with a breadth of 42 feet and the bell fry 24 feet high. With the steady growth of the congregation, a time soon came when a need was felt for the expansion of the church. The pastorate committee under the leadership of Rev. D.T. Konesagar took decision for the expansion of the church.
The Church has been a witness to the growth of the congregation with a hand full of members to the present with more than -----families and membership of more than----people spread far and wide. It has gained reputation of being the most highly educated church in the whole of Karnataka Northern Diocese, and is well known for its discipline and commitment.
The church has had many pastors shepherding it through times. Each pastor with the assistance of the pastorate committee to strengthen his efforts has been leading the church to greater heights. Various fellowships like- Women’s Fellowship, the Sunday School, Senior Citizen’s Forum, the Youth Fellowship, the Medical Fellowship, the Hebich Gospel Music Team have been aiding in the spiritual growth of the church.
At present, Hebich Memorial church has had another face lift, with a wide expanse of pavers-laid space all around. With the wise shepherding of Rev. S.S. Sakkari , Rev. Derick Christopher, and forethought of the pastorate committee, the church and its campus has seen a host of construction and renovations work. The sexton house, the church office, with under construction guest room, the wash rooms for men and women, the renovated Risch Memorial Hall with guest rooms at the side, a huge kitchen and a prayer hall.
Besides all these physical constructions , the church has been surging ahead spiritually with the active participation of the Sunday School, the Women’s Fellowship, Senior Citizen’s Fellowship, the Medical Fellowship, the Hebich Gospel Music , the Church Choir in all the church activities and all striving to work for the glory of God.