About the First Congregational United Church of Christ

First Congregational United Church of Christ is located at Bates and Cherry in Springfield, but its beginnings date back to December 11, 1866, when the original Church Record indicates “a meeting of a few citizens favorable to the formation of a Congregational Church in this city was held.” 

Records also indicate The First Congregational Church started formally with 75 members on February 6^th, 1867 at a business college.  Services were later held for nearly a year in the Old State Capitol. 

On April 20,1868, the congregation decided to “build a house of worship.”  By December 10, 1868, the first church was complete at the corner of Fifth and Edwards streets and in February of 1887, the Parish House was dedicated. 

On November 12^th, 1956, the church was destroyed by fire and during the rebuilding effort, the Temple B’Rith Sholom offered to let First Congregational hold its services at the Temple.  A new church was built at the corner of Bates and Cherry Road and the first service was held there on November 23, 1958 and it was dedicated on January 25^th, 1959. 

First Congregational voted to become part of the United Church of Christ on April 12^th, 1961.