Who We Are

The Palermo Church has served the Town of Palermo and surrounding areas for the past 50 years. We are a partner in the Lake Effect Cooperative Ministries. We host several community events through out the year. Our Second Chance shop is located on our lower floor and is open Saturdays 10 AM to 2 PM. We have our famous chicken and biscuit dinners in the Fall and Spring time. We are home to a Trail Life USA Troop and an American Heritage Girls Troop.

Our Church History

On July 1, 1966 Bishop Ward announced that the Vermillion, Clifford and Upson's Corners churches would be closed and the buildings offered for sale. Peats Corners Church had already merged with Upson's Corners. By the time the new church buildings plans were drawn up, the present site had been purchased and work started at once. Countless people volunteered their time and talents to do the labor needed to achieve the goal set before them. It was decided to keep the Upson's Corners church open for worship services until the new church was completed.

Mr. Jack Lehtonen, a mason by trade, was named contractor and Mr. Lee Loomis, his assistant. Proud of their past and confident of their future, members joined in Christian unity. The reverend James Spear served as the first pastor.

On June 2, 1968 the church was officially opened for worship services. It was a proud day for the entire community. Rev. Allan G. Dickenson joined us in 1969, Rev. Gerald Schlernitzaeur in 1971, Rev. Robert Bromfield in 1978, Rev. Gordon Shea in 1982, Rev. Allan J. Ferguson in 1987, Rev. Krystol Markowski in 1992, Rev. Richard Sivers in 1993, Rev. Charles Marks in 1996, and our present pastor, Rev. Tammie Chawgo-Nipper in 2005.

On May 11th, 2024, a group of faithful members from our congregation gathered with heavy hearts and clear conviction to discuss changes taking place that no longer aligned with our deeply held biblical values. After prayer, thoughtful conversation, and a shared desire to remain rooted in historic Christian truth, those members made the courageous decision to step forward in faith. From that meeting, Palermo Community Church was formed—built on a commitment to Scripture, steadfast doctrine, and the belief that the Church must stand firm even when the cultural winds shift. What began as a difficult conversation became a defining moment of unity, conviction, and hope for the future.