Our History  First Congregational Church UCC consists of the church building with a connecting education building and a separate parsonage. We occupy an entire tree-shaded city block in downtown St. Clair, about 2 blocks from the St. Clair River. The history of the First Congregational Church of St. Clair dates to1833. In September of that year, Albert Worthington, assisted by Rev. Luther Shaw, organized a Congregational Church of 14 members, in a meeting at the home of S. F. Hopkins. The first pastor was Rev. O. C. Thompson. In 1835, the church was received into the Presbytery as a distinctly Persbyterian Church, but in 1841 was re-organized as the Congregational Church of St. Clair. We are the oldest continuing congregation in St. Clair County.  According to church records, in 1836 the pastor's salary was $332.00. 1845 the church had 43 members with 140 in the Sunday School. On September 9, 1879 the cornerstone was laid for the present church on land given by the Hopkins family for the church and parsonage. The red-brick building was completed in 1880. The pews were arranged in amphitheater form, and seated 360. According to church council minutes, in 1883, the church property was valued at $15,000 and there were 115 members. In 1901 the pastor's salary was $25.00 per week and the electric bill for 11 months was $20.10. In 1956 we dedicated a new Religious Education wing. The Mary Moore Memorial window was installed in 1962; its theme is Reconciliation. We observed the 100th Anniversary of the building in 1979 and were designated as a State of Michigan Historical Building. The plaque is mounted on the east side of the building. In 1984 we held a Sesqui-Centennial Year Celebration. In 2008 we celebrated our 175th birthday with special events and wonderful displays about our history. Our Purpose The purpose of this church is to worship God, to preach and teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and to celebrate fellowship and unity within this church and the Church Universal; to render loving service toward humankind, and to strive for righteousness, justice, and peace. Our Covenant We covenant with one another to seek and respond to the Word and the will of God. We intend to walk together in the ways of the Lord, made known and to be made known to us. We hold it to be the mission of the Church to witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ in all the world, while worshipping God, and striving for truth, justice, and peace. As did our forebears, we depend on the Holy Spirit to lead and empower us. We pray for the coming of the kingdom of God, and we look with faith toward the triumph of righteousness and eternal life. |
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 Worship & Sunday School Sundays at 10:00 AM 300 Adams Street Saint Clair, MI 48079 810-329-4142 Fax: 810-329-4420   |
Who We Are |