A BRIEF HISTORY
OF UNION CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
After land was purchased, money raised, and a building completed, the Union Church opened
its doors on February 12, 1912 with Dr. Dorsey Rutter from Daytona Beach
preaching the first sermon. Several years later some 30 members completed the formal organization of the first church in Holly
Hill. The church grew slowly with help from supply ministers of different denominations. After help was received from the
Congregational denomination it was voted into full Congregational fellowship in 1928. Off and on the church received aid from
the Home Missions organization of the denomination including some help with the acquisition of a parsonage in 1953.
In 1961 the Congregation voted to become a member of the newly formed United Church
of Christ which was created from the merger of the Evangelical and Reformed Church and the Congregational -
Christian Churches. A new kitchen was added to the church in 1957 and in 1966 an educational unit was constructed
to meet the needs of a large number of young people. The final payment on the mortgaged parsonage was made in 1973.
Up until 2000 the church was served by full time pastors, the last one of which was
the Rev. Ruth Richardson. A major shift occurred with the calling of the Rev. Dr. Donald Steedly in 2002 as a
part time minister to serve 20 hours per week. Under his leadership the church continued to take in new members
including a class of 7 in January 2009 and developed working relations with a broad range of local service
agencies including Family Renew Community and Halifax Urban Ministries. The church is known for the warmth of its fellowship
and the abundance of food at many dinners. The Fellowship - both men and woman - works diligently and successfully to
support the church with an annual rummage sale and a pre-Christmas bazaar and turkey luncheon as well as other projects.
On Sunday, June 5, 2011 Rev. Steve Heath was voted to become the Settled
Pastor of Union Congregational Church United Church of Christ, Holly Hill, FL.
Together with his wife, Phyllis, they became members of
the church at an induction liturgy conducted by former interim minister, Rev. Dr. C. William Wealand, during the regular worship
service.
Following the service, a Congregational Meeting was held.
A report from the Search Committee was presented and the Call Agreement was reviewed. Then ballots were cast and Rev. Steve
was unanimously voted and welcomed as our new pastor.
Worship is enhanced by our organist and choir who contribute every Sunday. The future
looks promising and we invite you to join our vital community of men and women dedicated to Jesus Christ.
Rev. John E. Nutting,
Historian
We
invite you to become a part of the church today and a piece of its history tomorrow. Click here if you would like to email Rev. John directly.
