A Landmark on the St. Clair River
First Congregational Church UCC of St. Clair anchors a tree-shaded city block in downtown St. Clair, Michigan, about two blocks from the St. Clair River. The red-brick sanctuary is best known across the region for its 66-foot clock tower, which carries a clock face on each of its four sides and is still listed on the charts of the St. Clair River. In the days before electronic navigation, captains and crews of cargo ships sailing the St. Clair River used the tower as a navigational aid, and the time a vessel passed abeam was recorded in the ship's logs - a practice that continues today. The church is the oldest continuing congregation in St. Clair County, and its building was designated a State of Michigan Historical Building in 1979.
Two Centuries on Adams Street
The congregation traces its roots to September 1833, when Albert Worthington, assisted by Rev. Luther Shaw, organized a Congregational Church of 14 members at a meeting in the home of S. F. Hopkins. The first pastor was Rev. O. C. Thompson. In 1835 the church was received into the Presbytery as a distinctly Presbyterian body, and in 1841 it was reorganized as the Congregational Church of St. Clair. Early church records show that in 1836 the pastor's salary was $332.00, and by 1845 the church had 43 members with 140 in the Sunday School.
On September 9, 1879, the cornerstone was laid for the present church on land given by the Hopkins family for the church and parsonage. The red-brick building was completed the next year, with pews arranged in amphitheater form seating 360. By 1883 the property was valued at $15,000 with 115 members. A Religious Education wing was dedicated in 1956, and the Mary Moore Memorial window, themed Reconciliation, was installed in 1962. The 100th anniversary of the building was observed in 1979 with the historical plaque mounted on the east side of the building, the Sesqui-Centennial Year was celebrated in 1984, and in 2008 the congregation marked its 175th birthday with special events and displays about its history.
Open, Affirming, and Inclusive
The congregation has adopted an Open and Affirming Inclusive Church Covenant declaring that it is a fully inclusive, open, and affirming congregation within the United Church of Christ. The covenant affirms that all people are children of God and welcomes people of diverse race, physical and mental abilities, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, and socio-economic status. Members have covenanted to provide a safe, loving, nurturing, and compassionate community for all.
This welcome flows from a wider United Church of Christ perspective the congregation holds deeply. A statement of identity reads, "Our faith is 2,000 years old. Our thinking is not," and insists that religion and science are not mutually exclusive, that head and heart are both welcomed into worship, and that God's story continues to be heard anew in the world today. Another statement adds, "Never place a period where God has placed a comma," framing the church's call to transformation, justice, and global friendship as an ongoing one.
The vision of First Congregational, St. Clair is to be a vibrant church family that embodies Christ's message of faith, hope, and love, pursued through upright worship, caring friendships, spiritual growth, and service towards those in need.
Sunday Morning Worship
Sunday worship begins at 10:00 AM. During the summer months the service moves outdoors to the church backyard, where attendees are invited to bring a chair. The parsonage patio is offered for those who would rather not sit on the lawn, and in case of rain the service moves indoors to the sanctuary. Summer services are livestreamed on Facebook so that members and friends who are traveling or at home can worship with the congregation.
The order of service includes singing, responsive readings, prayers, a scripture lesson, a sermon, and Holy Communion on the first Sunday of each month. All people of sincere faith, regardless of religious tradition or church membership, are invited to share in Holy Communion; no one is obligated. An usher provides a friendly greeting and offers a bulletin that contains the full order of service along with church announcements, so visitors always know when to sing, read, or stand.
Most people who attend on Sunday morning dress in business casual or smart casual attire, though some dress more formally and others more informally; visitors are invited to come in whatever makes them feel comfortable. After the service, everyone is invited to a time of fellowship in the church lounge with coffee, tea, juice, and snacks - a time the congregation calls Happy Hour.
Children and Christian Education
Children remain in the sanctuary with their families until after the Children's Moment, which falls around 10:15, and are then dismissed to attend Sunday School. Families who prefer to keep their children with them throughout the service are welcome to do so. Nursery care is provided throughout the service for the youngest attendees.
The Christian Education ministry team oversees programming for children, youth, and adults with a curriculum that includes Bible study, group discussions on a variety of topics, arts and crafts, and games. The team is led by Penny Malcolm. Older youth prepare for confirmation through this ministry and are welcomed into full membership at Sunday services.
Music in Worship
Music is central to Sunday worship. The church's long-serving organist and accompanist is Denise Gregg, a retired secondary educator who holds graduate degrees from Eastern Michigan University and considers playing the organ and singing to the glory of God her passions. Worship leadership is shared by the pastor, organist, choir director, and several lay leaders who contribute to all aspects of the Sunday morning service, including the music, preparations for Holy Communion, flowers, and liturgical hangings.
Mission, Outreach, and the Food Pantry
The mission and ministry team, led by Marge Guinther, supports people inside and outside the local church. The team supports the St. Clair Ecumenical Food Pantry, coordinates visitation and funeral lunches for bereaved families, and serves as the church's connection to the wider mission of the United Church of Christ and the Michigan Conference UCC.
A Narcotics Anonymous group meets at the church on Thursday nights at 7:00 PM and is open to anyone seeking support. The congregation also walks members and friends through a Sustaining Creation ministry, sharing practical steps for living sustainably in community and advocacy, and publishes a monthly newsletter called The Channel that carries a parish nurse column. Topics have included recognizing grief during the holiday season and the value of an ecumenical Blue Christmas service for those mourning a loss.
Pastoral Care and Prayer
Pastor Julia DiFiore provides pastoral care, spiritual direction, and spiritual formation, and is happy to meet in her office or anywhere in town that is comfortable. Her regular appointment times are Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM and Fridays from 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM. The pastor can be reached by email or by text or phone during her work week. Calls and texts outside of those hours, or on Mondays and Tuesdays, are reserved for pastoral care emergencies. Emails are welcomed at any time and receive a response within 24 hours during the work week.
A Prayer Request Team receives online submissions and prays on behalf of each request for 30 days. Those who would like someone to follow up with them can include a phone number when submitting a request.
The Building and Accessibility
The church campus consists of the historic sanctuary, a connecting education building, and a separate parsonage, occupying an entire downtown block. The building is accessible through the west entrance - the door with the covered awning - where accessible parking is available. An elevator connects the basement to the main level. Parking is available on Adams Street in front of the church and in the shopping center across Third Street.
Worship services are livestreamed on Facebook, and a sermon archive is available on YouTube and Vimeo so members and visitors can watch or download past services. The Sunday bulletins and The Channel newsletter are published online as well.
Leadership and Governance
The congregation governs itself through congregational meetings, with four scheduled meetings each year: the Annual Meeting on the first Sunday in February following worship, a Budget Approval Meeting in early December, and two mid-year meetings. Special meetings may be called with three weeks' notice.
The church council carries out the mission of the local church between meetings and is made up of officers, ministry team leaders, and the pastor. A Parish Relations Team supports the pastor and the congregation in matters concerning the church and its ministry. Giving to the church is accepted online for members and friends who prefer that option.
Through nearly two centuries of ministry on Adams Street, First Congregational Church of St. Clair has continued to gather around its clock tower, its amphitheatre of pews, and a table set for all who come.