Union Congregational Church, UCC

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UCC MINISTERS-Rev. Joe Stock, Rev. Bill Wealand,
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Rev. Steve Heath & Rev. John Nutting

Here we will tell the story of the beginnings of our church and how we became what we are today.

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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.

REV. JOHN NUTTING
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CHURCH HISTORIAN

UCC PHOTOSHOWS THRU THE YEARS ONE (click here) CREATED BY PEGGY FOSTER BARKER CHOOSE A PICTURE (PHOTOSHOW) TO VIEW

UCC PHOTOSHOWS THRU THE YEARS TWO (click here)

WEBMASTERS - DAVID HEALD & PEGGY FOSTER BARKER

Union Congregational Church, UCC / 1050 Daytona Avenue / Holly Hill, FL / 32117