wHO ARE WE?

WE ARE A LOCAL CONGREGATION THAT IS PART OF THE uNITED CHURCH OF cHRIST DENOMINATION

WHAT IS THE UCC?

LEARN MORE HERE

we are open and affirming

(otherwise known as ona)

ONA IS AN OFFICIAL DESIGNATION OF CONGREGATIONS IN THE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST AFFIRMING THE FULL INCLUSION OF GAY, LESBIAN, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER, AND NON-BINARY PERSONS (LGBTQ+) IN THE CHURCH'S LIFE AND MINISTRY. Learn more here.

Our Covenant

including all in the full ministry of the church

No matter your race or ethnicity;

your gender, gender identity or gender expression;

If you are young, old, or somewhere in between;

No matter your religious or spiritual history

No matter your relationship status or family structure;

Whether you are straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, or yet unsure of your sexuality;

No matter your political affiliation or socio-economic status;

No matter your past history or mistakes,

If you have typical or atypical skills or are just beginning to sense your God given gifts and talents;

However the rest of the world describes you, and however you describe yourself;


You are welcome at First Congregational UCC.

Jesus welcomed everyone. We do too.

oUR fACILITY

Construction on our current facility began in 1928. A young artist named Grant Wood was commissioned in the design of the building. The sanctuary has a capacity of 300 people, including balcony seating.

Our building is available for use by community organizations.  To reserve a room and for more information about our building-use policy,  please contact the church office.

Church governance

who's in charge?


The Church Council is the primary advisory and policy making body of the church, responsible for promoting its general welfare.  The Council is responsible for appointing teams that serve to further the purposes of the church. First Congregational is congregational in nature which means that the congregation owns and is responsible for all property, programs, and ministry. All people are welcome to serve in ministry in all of its forms regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or relationship status.

history

First Congregational United Church of Christ was founded on April 17, 1879, when a group gathered at the home of Mr. and Mrs. W.H. Price to discuss their mutual interest in establishing a Congregational Church.  The first service was conducted on June 1, 1879, at the Union Opera House.

  • In 1880, the church received its first dedicated home – a wooden structure at Second Avenue and Fifth Street SE in Cedar Rapids. More than 11 years later it was replaced by a stone building on the same site.
  • In 1925, Troop #6 of the Boy Scouts of America was chartered through First Congregational Church, the first  troop in the state of Iowa.
  • In 1928, work began on a new building – our current home. A young artist in the area by the name of Grant Wood was hired to design the church’s sanctuary, which was designed in the style of New England Congregational churches.
  • In 1959, the facility was expanded to include classrooms and the Colonial Chapel.