First Congregational Church

Local History

First Congregational Church

Published April 11, 2011 Submitted by: Renee

The pictorial history of the First Congregational Church from Bias Magazine, January 23, 1952.

First Congregational church began as a Sunday School, "Union Chapel", in this little building at the southeast corner of Boonville and Chestnut streets in 1868

In the spring of 1870 the church, now named the First Congregational, moved into temporary quarters in this frame structure at the southwest corner of Jefferson and Locust, just across the street from the site members had picked for a new building.

On May 21, 1870, First congregational church moved into this imposing structure at the northeast corner of Jefferson and Locust, remained there more than 30 years until construction began on the building recently destroyed by fire.

This recent picture of First Congregational church at Calhoun and Benton, was made by Dr. Roland Neal, Drury chemistry professor and a member of the church's board of deacons.

Low-hanging clouds scudded over the blackened ruins of First Congregational church on the Monday morning after fire had wrecked the building, providing a somber, dramatic picture.

For more history of the church go to our postcard collection online. In our rare book case we have The First Congregational Church, Springfield, Missouri : a brief history and The story of the First Congregational Church of Springfield, Mo., 1869-1929 by A. M. Haswell.

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