Two Centuries of Faith on North MacArthur Road
First Congregational United Church of Christ has stood at 3465 N. MacArthur Road in Decatur, Illinois since the late 1950s, but its story begins more than a century earlier on a downtown block near Church and Eldorado Streets. The congregation was chartered on December 9, 1888 with 37 members, who built their first sanctuary at the northwest corner of those two streets. Ground was broken for the auditorium on April 22, 1890, and over the following decades the downtown church grew in membership and added a two-story wing housing Sunday school classrooms, a dining room, and a kitchen in 1902, alongside the installation of the sanctuary's first organ.
By the mid-twentieth century the congregation had outgrown its downtown home. A 15-acre tract was purchased in the 3400 block of North MacArthur Road for $21,500, and construction of the current building began in April 1957 at a cost of $293,000. The downtown property was sold to Antioch Baptist Church for $60,000. As the new campus opened, membership climbed from 454 in 1962 to 500 and onward to 636 by 1968, prompting additions to the education wing. Today the church remains a congregation of the United Church of Christ, embodying a longtime welcome: "No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here."
Sunday Mornings: Traditional, Then Contemporary
The defining rhythm of the week at First Congregational is a two-service Sunday schedule that gives worshipers a choice between two musical and liturgical styles. At 9:00 a.m., a Traditional service fills the sanctuary with classic hymns accompanied by the Irving Memorial Organ and the First Church Choir. At 11:05 a.m., the Coffee House Church offers a relaxed, contemporary worship experience with its own coffee-house feel.
Between the two services, the morning is filled with connection. Fellowship Hour runs from 10:10 to 10:40 a.m., and an Adult Bible Study, the Exploring Christian Faith Study Group, meets at 10:45 a.m., currently working through the book of II Samuel. Visitors are invited to stop by Fellowship Hall after either service for conversation and refreshments, and Pastor Ryan Travis meets guests at the back of the sanctuary after worship with a small gift.
The Irving Memorial Organ and a Three-Fold Music Ministry
Music is woven into the identity of First Congregational. The sanctuary's centerpiece is the Irving Memorial Organ, dedicated in 1958 in loving memory of Florence Bernice and Edward Peek Irving and crafted by Casavant Freres Organ Builders, one of the leading pipe organ builders in the world. The instrument features three manuals, 27 stops, 34 ranks of pipes, a Zimbelstern, and a full set of Maas chimes. In 2025 the organ was updated by Watson Pipe Organ Company of Galesburg, Illinois, and the refreshed instrument continues to anchor the Traditional service and the church's concert life.
The First Church Choir performs every Sunday from September through May, with rehearsals on Thursday evenings from 7:00 to 8:15 p.m. The choir explores a wide range of anthems from various composers and adds special music during Advent and Lent. No audition is required; capable students and adults are welcome to join.
A five-octave set of Schulmerich handbells and three octaves of Malmark chimes support the Handbell Choir, which gathers for special occasions and plays during Advent and Christmas as well as during Lent and Easter. Each summer, members come together for a monthly Summer Gospel Choir that rehearses early on Sunday mornings and sings beloved hymns of the church's heritage. During Advent and Christmas the church sponsors "Music For A Season of JOY," a pair of free concerts - one afternoon, one evening - featuring local talent. The concerts are the congregation's gift to the Decatur community.
Rev. Michael Waltenberger, Minister of Music, has served full-time in music ministry for more than 40 years. A native of northeast Ohio, he directs the choir, plays the organ, and volunteers weekly with All God's Children Preschool.
All God's Children Preschool
Tucked into the church's campus is All God's Children Preschool, a non-licensed program serving children who are three years old by September 1 through the year they enter Kindergarten. The school operates September through May, with classes beginning the Tuesday after Labor Day and meeting Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Monthly tuition is $180, with a $50 non-refundable annual registration fee. The school's motto, "Learning and Growing in God's Love," shapes a daily rhythm that includes a Bible lesson, weekly Chapel led by the pastor, weekly music with the Minister of Music, monthly field trips, holiday parties, science and cooking projects, and visits from special guests. Director Stephanie Nihiser leads the program; tours and information are available by calling the church office at extension 224 or emailing msnihiser@firstchurchdecatur.org.
Children and Students
Children's ministry at First Congregational is built around helping young people understand who God is and how Bible stories can guide daily life. Every Sunday a volunteer delivers a children's message that connects with both kids and adults; afterward, children are invited to Children's Sunday School. Throughout the year, children come together for a Ukulele Choir, learning to play instruments and sing together to share the story of Jesus. The annual Christmas Pageant is one of the congregation's most cherished traditions, with children rehearsing throughout the season and performing for families and friends, followed by a reception in Fellowship Hall.
Student ministries serve middle and high schoolers with a monthly evening gathering that includes Bible study, conversation, and games, open to friends from the wider community. Once a year the students organize Congregation Night Out, an evening of games, food, and entertainment for the whole church - and rides for those who can't drive at night - while gaining wisdom from the older members who attend.
Women's Ministries
The women of First Congregational are active across the life of the church. God's Busy Hands gathers every Tuesday from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. to sew blankets that are distributed to nursing homes, shelters, and individuals in need. The Pastoral Care Card Ministry creates handmade cards sent to members celebrating birthdays, facing illness, or needing encouragement; on the first Sunday of each month the cards are displayed in Fellowship Hall, and donations received support the ministry's supplies. The Women's Fellowship meets on the fourth Friday of every month for a light meal, program, and occasional outing. These women are often the hands behind funeral dinners, building projects, and new ministry initiatives. Each year the women host a renowned Annual Rummage Sale, drawing shoppers from across Decatur and supporting ministries within the church.
Adult Growth and Prayer
Beyond the Sunday morning Adult Bible Study, the church maintains a Prayer Chain that connects members through phone and email. Those wishing to share prayer requests may call the church office at 217-877-2216 or email office@firstchurchdecatur.org or pastorryan@firstchurchdecatur.org. Volunteer opportunities include the Property Committee for those with handyman and landscaping skills, Receptions and Hospitality for those who enjoy welcoming others, and Teaching for those who want to lead a small group or class.
Mission Footprint: Local and Global
First Congregational lives out its faith through a wide network of mission partnerships. Locally, the congregation supports Dove, Good Samaritan Inn, the Youth Samaritans Project, Northeast Community Fund, God's Busy Hands, Baby Welcome Kits, the Mitten and Scarf Tree, and Meals on Wheels. The church also contributes to four United Church of Christ special offerings: the Christmas Fund for the Veterans of the Cross and the Emergency Fund, Neighbors in Need, Strengthen the Church, and One Great Hour of Sharing.
On the global side, the signature mission is Growing Hope Globally. Since 2006, a church member has donated five acres of farmland, labor, and equipment to plant and grow a corn crop; the congregation funds the seed, fertilizer, fuel, and other inputs. When the crop is sold, the proceeds go to Growing Hope Globally for a country of the church's choosing, supplying materials and instruction to create sustainable food programs in the developing world. Over the years this project has helped people in Kenya, Bosnia, Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, North Korea, Cambodia, Zambia, India, and West Africa experience the dignity of feeding their own families.
A UCC Statement of Faith
First Congregational recognizes the Bible as the sufficient rule of faith and practice and holds that living in accordance with the teachings of Jesus Christ is the true test of fellowship. Each member is welcomed to follow the Word of God according to the dictates of personal conscience, enlightened by the Holy Spirit. The congregation's Statement of Faith echoes the 1959 Statement of Faith of the United Church of Christ, affirming belief in the Triune God, in Jesus Christ as crucified and risen Lord, and in the gift of the Holy Spirit who creates and renews the Church. The church celebrates two sacraments: Holy Baptism and Holy Communion.
Planning a Visit
First-time guests will find three parking lots on the north, south, and west sides of the building. Enter through the door on MacArthur Road, where greeters will hand out a bulletin and direct visitors to the sanctuary, nursery, and the Usher team. Dress ranges from shorts to suits - whatever is comfortable. After the service, Pastor Ryan Travis greets visitors at the back of the sanctuary with a small gift, and Fellowship Hall is open for refreshments and conversation. Sunday morning services are also livestreamed on Facebook for those joining from home.