History of First Congregational Christian Church
Founding Organization
Located on the corner of Union and High Streets, First Congregational Christian Church was established in 1872 by the American Missionary Association (AMA), a Protestant mission organization from New England that opposed slavery and founded schools to educate formerly enslaved African Americans. Rev. Dr. George Whitfield Andrews, a missionary from the North, organized the church and served as its first pastor.
Earlier, in 1868, the AMA established the Swayne School on the corner of Union and Grove Streets, the first primary school for African Americans in Montgomery. Together, First Congregational Christian Church and the Swayne School became the nucleus of the Centennial Hill neighborhood, from which many other educational, religious, and civic institutions in Montgomery’s African American community would grow.
Across South Union Street from the church stood the Montgomery Industrial School for Girls, better known as Miss White’s School. Founded in 1886 by Alice White, the school also operated under the sponsorship of the AMA.
Another notable institution supported by the AMA is what is now Alabama State University. Originally founded in 1867 as the Lincoln School in Marion, Alabama, it came under AMA sponsorship in 1868 before relocating to Montgomery in 1887.
Role in the Community
For more than a century, First Congregational Christian Church stood at the heart of a thriving African American community. Through the vision, leadership, and commitment of dedicated individuals, Centennial Hill became a vibrant center of economic, educational, spiritual, and civic life.
The neighborhood was home to many distinguished leaders, including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; Victor Tulane, merchant and community leader; Dr. Cornelius Dorsette, Montgomery’s first African American physician; James Rapier, Alabama’s first African American Congressman; businessmen James Hale, Henry Allen Loveless, and Elijah Cook; Nathan Alexander, editor, businessman, and prominent public official; 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 founding, First Congregational Christian Church has been blessed by the leadership of 25 devoted pastors. On July 1, 2012, the congregation followed God’s leading and elected its first female pastor in the church’s 140-year history, Rev. Dr. Wendy Coleman.
The Tragic Fire
On April 21, 1995, the church’s 123-year-old sanctuary was destroyed by fire after being struck by lightning. Amid the devastation, two remarkable symbols of faith endured. The large cross in the pulpit area was miraculously spared, and the historic church bell was rescued from the flames.
Rebuilding and Rededication
Following the devastating fire, the congregation faced the enormous challenge of rebuilding with limited financial resources while meeting new building codes and expanded space requirements. During this difficult time, our neighbors and friends at Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church graciously opened their sanctuary to us, welcoming our congregation as family throughout the rebuilding process.
Strengthened by prayer, faithful friends and supporters, and a modest amount of insurance proceeds, the congregation launched an ambitious Reconstruction Fund Drive, a comprehensive stewardship campaign, and numerous fundraising efforts. Through determination, sacrifice, and unwavering faith, we moved forward, trusting that God would sustain us every step of the journey.
By the grace of God, First Congregational Christian Church was restored. In June 2002, we gathered for our first worship service in the new sanctuary. It was an emotional homecoming—not only for the congregation, but also for the many friends and members of the community who had faithfully supported the rebuilding effort throughout those seven years.
During that first service, Reverend Garrett preached on the significance of the new church and commended the congregation’s perseverance, calling them “God’s faithful few.” He reminded us that we had “fought a good fight” and proclaimed the promise of Scripture: “They that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength.”
On Sunday, September 29, 2002, we celebrated the dedication of our newly rebuilt church. The new facility embodies our vision of “Restoring a Cornerstone of Centennial Hill.” Faithful to the progressive legacy of Centennial Hill, First Congregational Christian Church remains committed to serving not only its members but also the broader community.
We rebuilt more than a building—we renewed a ministry. Our restored and expanded facility allows us to continue developing programs of service, outreach, education, and community engagement. As Montgomery continues the revitalization of its downtown district, First Congregational Christian Church remains committed to contributing to the city’s spiritual, physical, and economic growth.
With gratitude for God’s faithfulness in our past and confidence in His guidance for our future, we continue to embrace new opportunities for mission, ministry, and service.
To God Be the Glory!