History of First Congregational Christian Church
Founding Organization
Located on the corner of Union and High Streets, the First Congregational Christian Church was built in 1872 by the American Missionary Association (AMA), a Protestant mission group from New England who fought against slavery and founded schools to educate Blacks. Rev. Dr. George Whitfield Andrews, a missionary from the north, established the church and served as the first pastor.
Earlier, in 1868, the AMA had built the Swayne School on the comer of Union and Grove Streets, the first primary school for Blacks in Montgomery. Together, the First Congregational Christian Church and the school formed the nucleus of the Centennial Hill neighborhood from which other institutions grew in Montgomery’s black community. The Montgomery Industrial School for Girls, known as Miss White’s School, was located on South Union Street, across the street from the church. Founded in 1886 by Alice White, it was also under the sponsorship of the AMA.
One other notable school receiving funding from the AMA is now Alabama State University. Begun in 1867 as the Lincoln School of Marion, it gained AMA sponsorship in 1868. The school relocated to Montgomery in 1887.
Role in the Community
For more than a century, our church stood in the middle of a thriving black district. It was through the efforts of many talented and committed individuals who by combining their philosophical beliefs created a thriving economical, educational and spiritual community. Centennial Hill neighborhood was home to such illustrious leaders as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; Victor Tulane, a merchant and community leader; Dr. Cornelius Dorsette, Montgomery’s first black physician; James Rapier, Alabama’s first black congressman; Businessmen James Hale, Henry Allen Loveless and Elijah Cook; Nathan Alexander, editor, businessman and prominent officeholder; State Senator John W. Jones; State Board of Education member, Peyton Finley; and the Rev. G. Franklin Lewis, longtime pastor of First Congregational Christian Church.
Since its beginning, First Congregational Christian Church has been blessed with 22 men of service who have led the congregation. On July 1, 2012 the congregation followed God’s leading and elected the first female pastor in its 140 years, Rev. Dr. Wendy Coleman.
The Tragic Fire
On April 21, 1995, our 123-year-old church was destroyed by fire as a result of being struck by a lightning bolt. Miraculously, the large cross in the pulpit areas was spared and the church bell was rescued from the flames.
Rebuilding and Rededication
Following the tragic fire that destroyed the church, the congregation was faced with the challenge of constructing a new church with limited resources, meeting new building codes and demanding space requirements. Our neighbors and friends at Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church offered the use of their sanctuary and welcomed us as a family throughout our building project.
Armed with lots of prayers, wonderful friends and supporters, and a limited amount of insurance proceeds, the congregation launched a massive stewardship effort on the part of our small but stalwart membership, an ambitious Reconstruction Fund Drive, and a multitude of other fundraising activities. We forged ahead with determination and unshakable faith that God would see us through this journey.
And so, by the grace of God, the congregation has succeeded in restoring its place of worship! We held our first church service in the new sanctuary in June, 2002. It was an emotional homecoming not only for the congregation, but also for the community and friends who supported the efforts of rebuilding the church for seven years. Reverend Garrett focused his sermon on the new church and praised the congregation’s determination to rebuild calling them “God’s faithful few,” and added that the congregation “fought a good fight. They that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength.”
On Sunday, September 29, 2002, we held our dedication program in our newly rebuilt church. The new church facility encompasses the vision of “restoring a cornerstone of Centennial Hill.” True to Centennial Hill’s progressive history, First Congregational seeks to serve not only its membership, but those in the larger community as well. We are not simply replacing a building; we are ensuring that our church continues to contribute to the lives of those around us. With our expanded facility, we envision the development of many new programs of service and outreach. As Montgomery continues to revitalize its downtown district, we at First Congregational working hard to be a part of the city’s spiritual, physical, and economic growth. We pray for God’s continuous guidance as we embrace a future full of opportunities for mission and service.
To God Be The Glory!