First Congregational United Church of Christ

A Bit of History   

DENOMINATIONAL  HISTORY

The First Congregational Church of Ottawa was organized on August 23, 1839. During the early decades the congregation reorganized a number of times but by 1928 it reaffirmed its identity and again adopted the original name.  In 1961 the congregation voted to join the United Church of Christ, formed in 1957 by the union of the Congregational Christian and Evangelical Reformed Churches. Our church participates in the Prairie Association and Illinois Conference of the UCC.

To learn more about the United Church of Christ click here or go to UCC.ORG

 BUILDINGS

 The first church building was constructed by volunteers with $5000 in pledges. The brick and wood structure which sat on the same site where our present church building now stands was dedicated in 1846.  According to the “Auto Tour Guide of Ottawa”, Abraham Lincoln worshiped in the Old First Church prior to the debate with Stephen A. Douglas.  The beautiful church we now enjoy was dedicated in 1871 and in 1993  it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places for it’s significance both as an example of the Romanesque Revival style and because it is part of the Washington Park Historic District.  A chapel was constructed in 1948 and is in use today for small group occasions and weekly for Taize Services. The Sapp Memorial windows above the west choir balcony depict scenes from the Old and New Testament and were dedicated in 1957. The twelve “art glass” panels on the side walls of the sanctuary replaced the opalescent windows produced in 1899 by Peltier Glass of Ottawa. The Peltier windows are now adorning the chapel and fellowship hall.  In 1997 and 2002 the lower level and the sanctuary were air-conditioned. The parsonage which sits directly behind the church was constructed in 1938 and replaced the original parsonage at Jackson and Paul Streets. In 1958 the Board of Trustees accepted the gift from the George Thornton Family of a home on Paul street which has been used since that time for Sunday School classes, Pastor’s and Administrative Offices, and other church meetings. 

 MUSIC

In the 164 years of church life we have been blessed with several fine organs. In 1972 the 30 Rank Schantz Pipe Organ was installed. It is one of the finest in the region and has been played by many well known organists.  We also enjoy a set of chimes dedicated to Mr. and Mrs. Harry V. Troup and a Schulmerich carillon dedicated in 1964 to Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Corbus.  

CHURCH LIFE TODAY

Our church is not only rich in heritage it is alive in spirit and hopeful for the future.

We understand ourselves to be a progressive congregation which upholds and affirms

the value of all persons in the sight of God. 

As of 2000,  four boards, Education and Mission, Deacons, Trustees, and the General Board oversee the life of the church.

We believe in the importance of mission and contribute time, material, and monetary donations to a number of mission activities globally, nationally, and locally. Volunteers participate in PADS, Red Cross, Labor of Love, and Habitat for Humanity.  We support the missions of the United Church Christ and Church World Service including the sponsorship of children in India and Israel. The “Mission of the Month”, designated by the Education and Mission Committee, increases our awareness of mission efforts. Our congregation is committed to continuing  education for all ages believing that spiritual growth is a life long process.  

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