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OUR HISTORY

In the spring of 1959, an ad appeared in the local paper announcing the formation of a new church in Arlington Heights, Illinois. It read:

The New Congregational Church of Arlington Heights

First Service of Worship—May 3, 1959

Pioneer Park Fieldhouse

10:00 a.m.

Church school classes through 3rd grade

Established by the Congregational Conference of Illinois in cooperation with the
Church Federation of Greater Chicago

Thus began the life of the Congregational United Church of Christ of Arlington Heights (CUCC). Founding Pastor, Reverend W. Rowland Koch, made 1,500 calls to local homes gathering together persons interested in founding a new church in the rapidly growing suburb. Four acres of land on Kirchoff Road were purchased as the site for the church, but it was not until September of 1963 that our members were able to worship in their own sanctuary.

The intervening years were not spent waiting, however. Within one year, the church had grown to 99 members and 80 children. The church's vision of commitment to outward mission, social justice, children and youth, and personal spiritual growth blossomed with new programs and courageous stands on social issues.

Throughout the next four decades, the CUCC continued to grow and develop. Bible study programs and small groups were formed to enhance personal spiritual development. Recently, we began a Stephen Ministry and added new small groups for Bible study, book discussions, and movie nights.

We are a social action oriented church, with activities as diverse as volunteering our building as a PADS homeless shelter once a week to sponsoring prayer vigils for peace. Over the years, support of social issues has included sponsoring Cuban, Vietnamese, and Kosovo refugee families; supporting the open housing initiative; participation in Habitat for Humanity; sharing our facilities with two Korean congregations; and participating in mission work trips for youth.

We are a congregation devoted to stewardship and mission and continue to pursue our original goal of giving 50% of collected monies to those in need. Our Stewardship and Mission ministries carefully review appeals for assistance and support many groups on the local, national and worldwide levels.

Church Picnic in the early 1960s

Providing rich learning opportunities for our children and teens is another priority that has existed since our founding. Beginning with nursery care, and continuing through high school, our children are surrounded by a caring church family that supports their spiritual growth and helps them discover the personal faith that will support them throughout their lives.

The Congregational United Church of Christ of Arlington Heights cherishes its rich past and looks forward to the future with excitement and energy. We welcome visitors and hope you will take the opportunity to join us for worship and fellowship!