HISTORY OF FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF ANTIOCH
First Congregational Church of Antioch was much more than the "First" Congregational church to appear in our town. It was the first church of any kind to be established here and its remarkable history dates back Antioch’s earliest days.
Select one of the following or scroll down this page:
The Earliest Days
A Tough Transition to the 20th Century
The UCC, A Centennial, A Major Move
Recent Years of Stability
The Church Today
CreditsBack in 1861, soon after the July 4 celebration where the town was named, Antioch settlers began holding religious services and tried to set up a Sunday School but it wasn’t until 1865 that they actually formed the church. On June 12 of that year a group of 21 hardy citizens, known as the "Congregational Society," began holding regular church services in the city hall building.
Soon, they moved to the old school house at "Utter" and "Boober" streets, now Sixth and G streets, in Antioch. On October 10 G.W. Kimball, one of the founders of the church, called a meeting for the purpose of inviting the Rev. C. Morgan to become pastor for a year at an annual salary of $1,000, a generous sum at that time. Reverend Morgan accepted and became our first pastor later that year.
With Antioch’s first church now established, its membership became anxious to build a more suitable and permanent house of worship. Thanks to a $4,000 loan they received from the American Congregational Union the first church building was completed in 1869 at the corner of "Utter" and "Kimball" streets, now Sixth and F Street, in downtown Antioch.
Along with the new building came new members to the congregation. The Reverend William Wiggin Smith, the founder of Antioch (the town was known as "Smith’s Landing" before acquiring its Antioch name), was admitted to church membership along with his wife in 1873. Mr. Smith would become a Trustee of the church and his wife the church clerk. Except for a brief time when Rev. Smith moved to Eden Plains Congregational Church (near Brentwood) to help that church get off the ground, he would serve First Congregational of Antioch for the rest of his life.
Thomas Gaines became the church’s first African American member in 1875. Meanwhile, the church served as a school for children of the Chinese laborers building the delta’s levies during the week.
Incorporation of the church came on April 7, 1875. The congregation legally became "The First Congregational Church of Antioch" at that time. The church’s first Youth Group was started the same year by a Mr. Brewer. Called "The Band Of Hope" it had 95 members. Its modern day descendant still meets regularly at the church today.
Baptism by immersion, while no longer practiced, was common in these early years and church records state that on August 20, 1876 Mrs. Sarah Page and Stephen Brancher were baptized in the San Joaquin River.
In 1891 the first church building was torn down and a new one erected in its place. According to the local newspaper it was "the finest house of worship in Contra Costa County" at the time.
But every church, especially one as enduring as First Congregational, will face challenging times. In the years to follow, absentee members would be a problem. Financial aid from the Home Missionary Society was sought. In 1897 a letter was sent to each member of the church requesting that they either take letters from this church to place them with another or render financial aid to the Antioch church. An annual letter from each member was also expected concerning their "spiritual welfare".
In 1899, records show the deaths of the Rev. and Mrs. W.W. Smith, two of the church’s most influential leaders, within one month of each other. Between this time and 1903 few records of the church have survived but it is believed that First Congregational went without a pastor much of the time and even closed for awhile in 1902.
Clearly, the church was in crisis but 1903 brought a revitalized congregation that laid a strong foundation for the church’s future. A permanent pastor, Rev. Bandy, was called that year and in September electric lights were first installed in the church auditorium. They made quite an impression. The large, twelve-globe fixture was later referred to by Rev. Stauffer (pastor from 1929-37) as reminding him of the twelve disciples sending forth their light.
In 1906 the Women’s Guild, which has always been an active and important part of the church, changed their name to the "Busy Sisters". In the years to come, the Busy Sisters lived up to their name by contributing mightily to a variety of church fundraisers and projects. They were renamed the "Women’s Fellowship" in 1954 and are still a part of the church.
The Men’s Fellowship was organized in 1906. It became inactive in 1929, was revived in 1951, became inactive again in the 70’s, but was restored for good in 1986 and continues today.
In 1911 a parsonage was built at the church site and was first occupied by Reverend Griffin and his wife. It was converted into a parish house in 1938 and connected to the main church building by a runway so it could be used for an office and Sunday School rooms.
In 1929 the Depression hit the country and the members of First Congregational, like most other people, felt its effect. Rev. Stark retired from the pulpit because of ill health. Pledges were at a minimum. The Board of Trustees became so discouraged that they considered selling the church property but late in the year decided to begin making repairs on the church and go on with its work. The church’s pastoral needs were also filled when Rev. Stauffer, retired himself at the time, answered the church’s call. He remained as pastor until 1937.
In 1935, the church celebrated Mr. Stauffer’s Fiftieth Anniversary in the ministry with a lawn party. Later that year a series of First Congregational Forum meetings began with Amos Alonzo Stagg, the legendary football coach and inventor of the T-formation, the speaker. These meetings were well attended by the whole community.
In 1944, a Weekday Bible School was created by joint effort of the Congregational, Methodist, Church of Christ and Calvary churches in Antioch. 135 pupils were enrolled. That same year, the catastrophic Port Chicago explosion damaged the window in the front of the church. Extensive repairs were needed.
In 1949, Reverend Dimock was called to the church and served as its pastor until 1958. Rev. Dimock played a big role in increasing church membership and defining its future. A new Social Hall was added to the church that year. In 1951 the church’s monthly newsletter, "Parish Notes," was first published. In 1953, it’s reported that 153 people were enrolled in the church Sunday School program. In 1954, plans for a new church school facility were made. The new building was completed in 1956.
In 1955, two services of worship began being held at 9:30 and 11 A.M. each Sunday at the church. In 1957, a union between the Congregational Christian Churches and the Evangelical and Reformed Church was approved and in 1961 the congregation gave its unanimous approval to becoming a member of the United Church of Christ. That same year, land was bought at what was then the corner of Shaddick Drive and Freitas Avenue as a possible site for a new church.
1965 marked First Congregational’s Centennial Year. June 13 was designated as "Centennial Sunday". After regular church services, a luncheon was served and a colorful pageant depicting events from the church’s 100 year history presented. A message of congratulations was received from President Lyndon B. Johnson. The program proved a major effort with virtually every member of the congregation participating.
In 1968, work began on a new church at our present site at 620 East Tregallas Road. Groundbreaking ceremonies were held on April 21. Speakers included Mayor Verne Roberts of Antioch. On November 16, a group of men from the church went to Port Chicago when the U.S. Navy bought the city. They brought back a piano, bell, pews, Communion table, pulpit and other supplies needed for the new church. Much of the finishing and painting was done by church members.
December 1st marked the last meeting at the old First Congregational Church at 6th and F Street. After a brief service, all waited on the steps as the bell was rung for the last time by Dorothy Pridgen and the door closed. The first service at the new church took place that same day. The official dedication service for the new church took place on February 16.
Pastor Head, who’d overseen the building of the new church, submitted his resignation in 1969. Rev. McNeilly arrived the next year to take the church through the 1970s.
Rev. McNeilly continued a tradition of providing a stable presence in the pulpit. The early days of the church had seen regular pastoral changes. There was virtually a new minister every year. But since mid-century, First Congregational has seen a series of committed and durable spiritual leaders. Rev. Dimock served from 1949-58, Rev. Head from 1958-69 and Rev. McNeilly from 1970-79.
The church adapted well to its new location. In 1973, the old church downtown was sold and is now the "Living Word Pentecostal Church Of God." The parsonage on C Street was also sold in 1973 to initiate a housing allowance for the minister. Later that year, a parcel on Windsor Drive and East Tregallas was sold to the Assembly of God.
In 1976 the church bell tower was completed. Much of the money for the tower was provided by special memorials. A plaque with the names of those for whom the memorial gifts were given still hangs in the church Fireside Room.
The financial health of the church continued to improve during the 70’s. In January 1977, a special "mortgage burning" was held at the church. For the first time in many years, First Congregational was completely debt-free.
Rev. McNeilly retired in 1979 and was replaced by Rev. Weber in 1980. Reverend Weber would serve as pastor of First Congregational for 18 years, by far the longest term of any pastor in the church’s lengthy history.
The 1980’s ushered in a decade of stability. A confirmation class for teenagers was begun in 1981. A Community Clothes Closet, which served Antioch’s needy until 1998, was started on the church site that same year. In 1982 a new organ was purchased and in 1983 the church sign at the front of the driveway installed.
In 1984, the first of our continuing annual church retreats was held, the cross was added to our belltower and a long-awaited playground for our children begun. Lucille Vinke, our present organist and choir director, was hired in 1987. In 1989, beautiful new stain glass windows were installed in the front and back of the sanctuary.
Links with other local churches were also increased in the 80’s. First Congregational joined with local churches like Community Presbyterian, . First Christian, United Lutheran and St. Barnabas Episcopal in initiating joint Ash Wednesday, Easter Sunrise and Thanksgiving worship services. A "God Squad" Youth Group with members from First Congregational, First Christian and St. Barnabas also held joint meetings.
In celebration of our 125th anniversary the church held many special events in 1990 including an "1865" Dress-Up Sunday and an Anniversary luncheon and reception. A plaque in recognition of First Congregational’s 125 years of service to the community was presented by the Antioch City Council and a proclamation, signed by the mayor, celebrated our birthday. The church also participated in the Adopt-A-Family program providing Christmas presents and holiday dinners for needy families in the area. We’re still participating in this program today.
The three crosses you may have seen from Highway 4 that make our church so distinctive were constructed in 1991. A church scrip program was initiated in 1993. Under this program, church members buy gift certificates for area stores and markets with the church getting a percentage of the money spent.
In 1995, the church agreed to allow our friends at the B’Nai Torah to use our facilities on Saturdays for their services. 1995 also found an Anniversary Fundraiser, organized by Mel Hallock, which featured a children’s faire, dinner and silent and public auctions. It was a big success for the church and was followed up by a similar "Founder’s Day" Celebration in 1996.
Ethel Stow, who had served the church faithfully as its secretary for many years, resigned in 1995 and was replaced by Debbie Martin. The church also joined the Contra Costa Interfaith Sponsoring Committee (CCISCO) in 1995. CCISCO is a church-based organizing group stressing unified action in solving the problems facing our communities.
1997 saw a new heating and cooling system installed in the church wing and ceiling fans in the sanctuary. Eric Thompson, a very talented pianist, joined the church as accompanist for the choir.
In January 1998, Rev. Weber submitted his resignation after 18 years of service. He has been replaced capably by the Rev. Dr. Steven Shepard, who served as our Interim Minister until a new, permanent pastor was selected.
Pastor Sally Train was voted in as our new minister. Sally started her ministry with us in January 2000. Lucille Brodersen resigned as our Music Director. Catherine Thompson became our new Music Director through the year 2001.
In 2001, Busy Kids Preschool (formerly known as Special Moments) began using our facilities. Lucille Brodersen came back as our interim Music Director until March. We are continuing our search for the perfect person. Following the September 11th terrorist attacks, we came together as a community and shared our prayers, love and mutual support. Catherine Thomson joined us as Choir Director, but felt called to resign at the end of the year after the birth of her daughter. A workshop was held at the end of October to make a set of 4 paper tapestries that were hung during Advent. Three of our teens attended Summer Camp at Tamarack. 5 young people were confirmed into membership in April after an 11 month program. The Men’s Breakfast Group disbanded in May due to lack of leadership and participation.
Magic Jaguez joined us a Music Director in 2002. Wayne Hancock heading the drive to buy a new riding mower that was named “The Love Machine” after Helen Love. Our Advent theme this year was “Christmas Around the World.” We had wonderful guest speakers, singing by the children of Busy Kids Christian Preschool and special food served each Sunday.
During 2003 the Outreach Committee has taken on a ministry to the children of Marsh Elementary School through the clothing drives, food donations, toys and book collection, and Christmas Adopt-a-family program. The four Sundays of Advent were built around the theme of hope, peace, joy and love. Four Monday evening Advent meditation services were also held. A Personnel Committee was created to research and make recommendations to the Cabinet regarding staff salaries. Several changes were made to the by-laws to make the boards and committees more efficient and more in line with our membership.
In 2004 an audit of membership was done. It was found that as of the end of 2003 our membership stood at 85 persons. That number was sent to NCNC to be updated in their records.
Along with being the oldest church in Antioch, First Congregational is one of the most friendly. Its Mission Statement defines the church as a "compassionate community of reverent worship, spiritual freedom, human diversity and social conscience." We invite you to join with us in worship every Sunday at 10 A.M. as we continue to build on First Congregational's storied history and recommit ourselves to God, our community and the world.
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This history was compiled through research and church histories written by Juliette Coates Harding (published in 1915), Edna Irvine (1949) and Dorothy Pridgen (1980).
