Photo by Herb Couch

Our History

It’s very difficult to summarize the vibrant life of First Congregational Church. These landmarks note some very important occurrences representing this community of faith to work for a just and loving world and sharing God’s love with all.

• 1958 - The church was founded (a year after the United Church of Christ was formed). Rev. Dr. Charles Parker, of Prescott, organized a Congregational fellowship in Flagstaff and conducted the first worship service on Sunday evening, April 27, 1958.

• 1960 - Parsonage purchased, a regular minister secured, services held in the Thomas Weitzel Elementary School on Fourth Street in east Flagstaff

• 1967 - Ground breaking for the present church building on Turquoise Drive and Switzer Canyon

• 1969 - The International Youth Hostel located in the multi-purpose building which eventually served more than 2,000 world travelers a year

• 1973 -The Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC), a licensed daycare program forpreschool children, opened

• 1984 – 1985 - Strong interest in social justice issues; developed a relationship with sister church in San Salvador

• 1991 - Hosted the Annual Conference Meeting of the Southwest Conference

• 1992 - An alternative school for secondary students opened

• 1998 - Endowment Fund set up

• 2000 - The Mountain School, a charter school for elementary children, opened

• 2005 - The congregation voted to become Open and Affirming
  

• 2008 - The Church celebrates 50 years.