First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ
Who We Are...
Baptismal Font
First Congregational was founded 140 years ago by people who believed that slavery was wrong, that women could preach and that Christians could change the world through the power of God's love. Known during the Civil War era as Strangers Congregational Church, a place where strangers and those adrift in a strange land of Protestant fundamentalism could find sanctuary, the congregation changed its name to First Congregational in 1909.
The congregation's commitment to free expression and the heartfelt belief that God is no killjoy dates back to its early days! Back in the 1930's, when Memphis' "blue laws" made for dull Sundays by prohibiting all "non-essential business", the congregation responded with good-natured defiance. Since movie theaters were forbidden by law to provide entertainment on the Sabbath, members of the church showed movies in a sanctuary packed to the rafters with people of every denomination!
First Congregational has always been active in bringing people within the community together. We were instrumental in the formation of the NCCJ (National Council of Christians and Jews) and the Memphis Eye Bank. Habitat for Humanity came to Memphis in an office provided by the church. We helped in the formation of MIFA (the Memphis Interfaith Association) in the wake of the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. and have been supportive of Memphis Planned Parenthood.
The first woman to address the Memphis Ministers' Association was Rev. Marie Wingfield, the wife of First Congregational pastor, Rev. Marshall Wingfield. Marie preached at First Congregational often during the 1930's and 1940's and was a true pioneer in breaking down boundaries for women in ministry.
In 1991, we became an "Open and Affirming" congregation by stating that we welcome gay and lesbian people into the church, just as we welcome all people. As a "Just Peace" congregation, we are committed to working for justice and reconciliation among all people. We are proud that LeMoyne-Owen College is "our" college, and we work actively to support its mission.
In the past decade, we've grown from a congregation of 60 members to a congregation of 300 members. This growth in membership caused us to reconsider our ministry and we moved to our new location in the Cooper-Young neighborhood in June, 2001.
Who We Are :: United Church of Christ
Sundays :: Mondays
Staff :: Member Profiles