In 1895 the Lutherans began to consider a new church building. The records show that subscriptions were started in 1985 for a building fund.  On Feb. 1, 1895, the rev. Clarence E. Gardner became pastor. In May of the same year plans of architect Robert Gotwald of Springfield were adopted for remodeling of the church.  Construction was started in the spring. A tent was used for the services during the summer.  On July 31, 1898, the cornerstone was put in place.

O.P. Mitman, speaking at the dedication of the church in 1898, addressed some of those building decisions. He said: “The old church has been refitted and repaired many times.  But for a number of years we have felt the need of a new church building; but not until the present year had the question been seriously agitated. The result of the agitation was a resolution to reconstruct and enlarge the old church building."

Some confusion exists as to whether this church was a “new” structure or a “remodeled” facility. The terms are used interchangeably in historical publications.  It is clouded further by the 1898 cornerstone which uses the word “rebuilt.”  If it was remodeled, the remodeling was extensive.  Comparison of pictures of the 1854 and the 1898 buildings shows the newer church with features not found in the older structure: a bell tower, a large window above the altar, a singe front entrance, and a new roof line.

The Handbook and Historical Souvenir publication of the 1948 reads:”The new church was erected under the supervision of the Rev. Fred Gotwald, supply pastor during the absence of the Rev. C.E. Gardner who served as Chaplain in the U.S. Army during the Spanish-American War for a period of six months.  Pastor Gardner returned from service for the dedication of the new church.  The remodeled church was dedicated and the fiftieth anniversary of organization observed November 27, 1898.”

In addition to the pastor, other taking part in the 1898 dedication service were Dr. Ort of Wittenberg College, Dr. Bauslin of Hamma Divinity School, and former pastors Ernsberger and Greenwalt.

Among the items placed in the 1898 cornerstone were a Bible, book of worship, Lutheran almanac 1898, The Lutheran, the Sunday school roll, church membership roll, history of the Spanish-American War to date, a Wittenberg College catalog, a list of officers of the ladies Aid, the Luther League, Missionary Society, and Children’s Mission Band. This cornerstone was later incorporated into the building on Main Street in the “new” Osborn (now Fairborn) in 1923.  At the time it was opened, enjoyed, and resealed. However, in the fall of 1998 when both the 1923 and the 1898 cornerstones were opened as part of the sesquicentennial observance, there was disappointment in this older box.  While the top was still sealed, the side seams had lost their integrity, and the contends had been destroyed by water.