A 150-Year-Old Congregation in Downtown O'Fallon
On West Adams Street in the heart of O'Fallon, Illinois, a red brick church has gathered German-speaking Protestants for worship since October 29, 1876. Now in its 150th year, O'Fallon United Church of Christ carries that original community's faith forward through a blended style of Sunday worship, a full program of Christian education, a thriving music ministry, and a calendar of small groups that fill the building from early Sunday morning through Thursday afternoons. The congregation is a member of the Illinois South Conference of the United Church of Christ.
Roots in the Evangelical and Reformed Tradition
The congregation began in 1876 as the Evangelical Congregation of O'Fallon, formed by German-speaking Protestants who shaped the spiritual life of the town in its earliest decades. Those roots eventually joined the Evangelical and Reformed Church, which in 1957 united with the Congregational Christian Churches to form the United Church of Christ, a denomination that includes the spiritual heirs of the Pilgrims of Plymouth Plantation. The church treasures that history, and 2026 is being marked with anniversary events, including a 150th Anniversary Luncheon at the Regency Conference Center.
Consistent with UCC polity, the congregation values the freedom of the local church. Members describe a wide range of beliefs and understandings present in the pews, with a unity of fellowship held above uniformity of opinion.
Sunday Worship at 9:45
Sunday morning worship begins at 9:45, with pre-service announcements at 9:40. The service is offered in person in the sanctuary and is also broadcast via Zoom for those at home or traveling. Nursery care is available from 8:30 to 10:45 every Sunday morning, making it possible for parents of young children to attend worship and Christian education without worry.
The order of worship typically includes a lay reader, scripture, a sermon, prayers, special music, and congregational singing. Music is woven through the service by several groups that rehearse throughout the week, giving the morning a sound that ranges from the Chancel Choir's traditional anthems to the Praise Band's contemporary leads. Members and visitors can subscribe to a weekly email called News and Notes to stay current with each week's schedule, scripture, lay readers, and special music.
A Music Ministry with Something for Every Voice
Music is one of the church's signature ministries. The Chancel Choir, led by Director of Music Tim Jansen, rehearses most Sundays at 8:30 and is open to high school age youth and adults, providing traditional and blended special music during worship. The Sunday School Choir rehearses during the Sunday School hour and gives elementary and middle school singers a chance to lead worship on select Sundays.
For instrumentalists, the Handbell Choir rehearses Sundays at 11:00 and adds ringing and chime pieces to services throughout the year. The Praise Band rehearses at 8:15 on various Sunday mornings and leads contemporary praise music several Sundays a month, giving the congregation a worship style that shifts with the season of the church year. Children's Music Directors Mark Hundley and Ava Hettenhausen shape the younger musicians in the program.
Christian Education for All Ages
Christian education takes place alongside worship on Sunday mornings. Sunday School meets from 9:45 to 10:45 in the educational building and is open to children and youth ages three through high school. Confirmation Class meets at 8:30 on Sunday mornings with the pastor and runs from September through May for eighth graders and older youth. Those who complete the class are confirmed in their faith and welcomed into the membership of the church.
For older youth, the Youth Group is open to all 5th through 12th graders. During the school year the group meets on the second and fourth Sundays after worship, taking up current-issue discussions, Bible study, activities, trips, and youth conferences. Pastor Martha leads those gatherings. High school seniors and college students can apply each spring for scholarships administered through the church office.
Fellowship Groups That Fill the Week
The congregation's fellowship life extends well beyond Sunday morning and is dominated by women's and craft-oriented groups. The Mary & Martha Society meets at 7:00 p.m. on the first Thursday of every other month and is open to all women, with onsite childcare provided. The Women's Guild gathers at 1:00 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month for church members.
Wednesday mornings belong to the hands. Quilters meet at 8:30 with brown bag lunches, and a separate Crafter group also gathers Wednesday mornings. A monthly Bingo group plays in the fellowship hall at 10:00 a.m. on the third Thursdays. A Book Club meets in a member's home for dinner and conversation around a shared reading list. Together they give the church a steady weekly rhythm that complements Sunday worship.
A Welcoming Mission Statement
The church's stated mission reads: called by Jesus Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit, the congregation seeks to experience the still-speaking God through worship and the study of scriptures and to respond to the cares of neighbors near and far, working for justice and peace. Members welcome a diversity of traditions, spiritual gifts, and understandings, encircling all with Christian love and supporting one another through every season of life. The closing line of that statement is also the open door: whoever you are, wherever you are on life's journey, you are welcome here.
Visiting O'Fallon UCC
The church stands at 206 West Adams Street in O'Fallon, Illinois. Sunday worship begins at 9:45 in the sanctuary, with Zoom access for those who prefer to join remotely. Visitors can expect a traditional but blended service, a friendly welcome at the door, nursery care available before and after worship, and a host of programs to learn more about. The office can be reached at 618-632-3496 or oucc@sbcglobal.net.