History
Posted on December 18, 2009 - Filed Under Uncategorized |
Our History
First Congregational is a proud member of The United Church of Christ. The year 2010 marks our 175th anniversary celebration, but our congregational roots go back to the Pilgrims who came to the New World in the 1600s seeking freedom to worship God as they chose. The teachings of Christ, freedom of thought, congregational autonomy and personal responsibility are central to us. Our church in Kalamazoo goes back to the earliest days of
the city.
The First Congregational Church of Kalamazoo, Michigan was formed when fourteen pioneers gathered on June 6, 1835 and organized a church. They chose the Presbyterian form of government. Their first building was a white frame structure. In 1842 they withdrew from the Presbytery and adopted a Congregational government.
The material
and measurable history was expressed in a second building (1852), a lovely New England structure, on the present site by Bronson Park, and in 1890 the congregation erected a magnificent stone structure. There are still some who remember standing and seeing it burn down on December 29, 1925.
With a wonderful will and faithful vision, the congregation built the present English Gothic sanctuary. The chapel, lounge, and classrooms were added in 1960. The parking lot, the north entrance, and offices were added in the early ’70s.
In 1961 The First Congregational Church of Kalamazoo, Michigan voted to become a member of the United Church of Christ, but retained its name and form of government. Our church practices a democratic form of government, electing its officers and boards, calling its ministers, and making major decisions by vote of its members. Not bound by creed or tests and exclusive practices, we share and offer an accepting fellowship. Our present congregation is made up of approximately four hundred and fifty members.