Our History
Our Church Today
First Congregational United Church of Christ in Elmhurst is a welcoming and inclusive faith community with a long-standing commitment to service, worship, and fellowship. With around 100 active members, the church continues to be a space of spiritual growth, open hearts, and community care. While currently in the process of calling a permanent minister, the congregation is led by visiting pastors who guide them in prayer and mission work, both locally and globally.
The church’s physical space reflects decades of growth and dedication. The cornerstone of the current sanctuary was laid in 1926, with expansions added in 1955 and 1971. The church mortgage has been fully paid, and a generous endowment helps sustain both the building and the ministries that serve the spiritual and practical needs of the congregation.
Visitors and newer members may wonder: Why share all this history? Because understanding our past reveals something deeper about who we are. This church wasn’t just built for worship—it was built for community.
A Church Built for Community
Founded in 1889, First Congregational UCC was the first English-speaking church in a predominantly German-speaking Elmhurst. It was envisioned not as a single-denomination body, but as a home for many. Its founders believed deeply in independence and mutual respect, and those values still live in the heart of the church today.
In 1914, the church dedicated the Community House—a building meant to serve as a shared gathering space, especially for young people. It quickly became a hub for Sunday School, the Missionary Society, Women’s Aid Society, the Men’s and Women’s Clubs, and more. For many long-time members, the Community House holds treasured memories of growing up in the church—of singing in choir, learning in Sunday School, and forming friendships that lasted a lifetime.
These stories aren’t just memories—they’re reminders. This church was built for the community. It still is.
Roots and Foundations (1888–1926)
The seeds of First Congregational were planted in 1888 when George F. Rosche, Henry G. Browne, and C.J. Albert saw a need for a new kind of church in Elmhurst. The existing churches conducted services in German, and the town needed an English-speaking congregation. Within months, a group of about 30 residents met to form a union church open to all denominations. Services began in a schoolhouse, and by 1890, the congregation was formally chartered as Union Congregational Church of Elmhurst. A wooden chapel—affectionately remembered as “the little brown church on the corner”—was built soon after.
As Elmhurst grew, so did the congregation. By the early 20th century, the church had established deep roots through the dedication of ministers like Rev. William Danforth, who led the construction of the original Community House in 1914. That space became central to the life of the church and the town, reflecting the congregation’s deep connection to civic life and spiritual service.
Expansion, Identity, and a New Home (1926–1961)
By the 1920s, Elmhurst’s population was booming. The church recognized the need for a larger sanctuary and more robust facilities. Architect Norman E. Brydges, a member of the congregation, designed the new sanctuary, which opened in 1927. The Emery family donated the west sanctuary memorial window, and a parsonage was constructed alongside the main building.
In 1926, after much reflection, the congregation rejoined the Congregational Church and adopted the name First Congregational Church of Elmhurst. This identity change marked a return to denominational roots, while also embracing the city’s growing diversity.
In 1961, after a three-year study, the church voted to join the newly formed United Church of Christ, becoming First Congregational United Church of Christ. That same year, the church began construction of a large parking lot to accommodate growing attendance and made major improvements to educational and worship spaces.
A Growing Church in a Growing City (1960s–1980s)
Through the 1960s and 70s, First Congregational UCC thrived. Membership rose to nearly 2,000, and Sunday School enrollment neared 1,000 students. Confirmation classes grew to more than 120 young people annually. Ministers like Rev. Lawrence A. Gedcke and Rev. Ernest H. Huntzinger guided the church through this flourishing period, while associate ministers and youth directors helped develop robust Christian education and outreach programs.
In 1971, the original Community House was replaced with a new structure that included modern classrooms, a choir room, a chapel, and expanded church offices. The new space upheld the church’s founding purpose: to be a place where faith and community could flourish together.
By 1979, an endowment fund was created to ensure the church’s future, with notable contributions from Anna Emery Hanson. In 1983, the sanctuary was renovated to highlight the Christ Window, and several new worship elements—including a baptismal font, altar, and sound system—were installed.
A Century of Faith and Service
In 1989, First Congregational United Church of Christ celebrated its Centennial—marking 100 years since its founding in 1889. The year-long celebration carried the theme “One Hundred Years in His Steps,” honoring both the legacy of those who built and sustained the church, and the responsibility of the current congregation to carry that legacy forward.
To commemorate the milestone, a Centennial Bell was raised into the tower and first rung on Christmas Eve 1988—ninety-nine years after the church’s first Christmas service. A handcrafted Centennial Wall Hanging, created by members of the Women’s Fellowship, was installed in the parlor as a symbol of the church’s rich, interwoven history.
The Centennial was more than just a celebration of the past—it was a reaffirmation of the church’s founding purpose: to be a home rooted in Christ, built for the community, and open to all. The spirit of those first 100 years continues to guide First Congregational UCC today, as the church honors its heritage while walking faithfully into the future.
Honoring Our Past, Walking into the Future
Following the retirement of Rev. Rick Magnall in 2013, First Congregational United Church of Christ entered a new chapter in its long and faithful journey. Rev. Philip Price served as interim minister from 2013 to 2015, providing thoughtful leadership and pastoral care during a time of transition. A few years later, Rev. Mike Daly was called and served as pastor from November 2017 through July 2021, guiding the church through both joyful milestones and unexpected challenges.
In the years since, the church has continued to be sustained by a community of faithful leaders. During this time, several guest ministers have regularly supported worship and pastoral care, embodying the spirit of shared ministry that has always defined the congregation. Among them are Rev. John Gibbon, Rev. Scott Matheney, Rev. Dr. Paris Donehoo, Rev. Dr. Jorge Morales, Rev. Robert Buckner II, Rev. Tracy Heilman, Rev. Tom Norwalk, and Rev. Jan Davis—each of whom has brought their own voice, wisdom, and presence to the pulpit and beyond.
As the congregation continues its search for a new permanent minister, First Congregational UCC remains rooted in its founding values: a church built for the community, welcoming to all, and committed to walking forward with faith. With deep gratitude for those who came before and growing hope for what lies ahead, the church stands ready to embrace its future—together.
Location
First Congregational United Church of Christ
235 S Kenilworth Ave
Elmhurst, IL 60126
630-832-2580