Community Congregational United Church of Christ, Benicia
We believe that no matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.
WELCOME to Community Congregational United Church of Christ of Benicia. We believe in a Living God who is still speaking. We strive to be a safe and welcoming family for all, a nurturing resource for the community, and a fertile garden for independent thought and bold social action.
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National UCC News
We are Proud Members of
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The Bay Association
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The Northern California Nevada Conference
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| Church History |
Following
the Civil War, in October 1865, the Congregational Home Missionary Society
sent Rev. Justin P. Moore, a seminary graduate, to Benicia. He gathered together
a few of the faithful and held church services in Sages Hall (above a saloon),
later known as "Rueger's Hall". On June 5, 1866, after the Articles of Faith
and Covenant were adopted, the first Congregational Church was established
with seventeen charter members.
 The dedication of the church edifice, still standing at 135 West J. Street, was held on December 10, 1868. The building and lot cost $6,800 which was paid at the time of the dedication. The church can be proud of its leadership given to education over the years. The Rev. and Mrs. C.T. Mills, founders of the Young Ladies Seminary in Benicia, which later became Mills College, were charter members of the church. The second minister of our church, the Rev. C.H. Pope later became principal of the Young Ladies Seminary. The Rev. Dr. S.H. Willey, minister from 1880-1889, played a prominent role in organizing the College of California, now the University of California. Rev. Samuel Weyler, serving from 1896-1898 started Benicia High School. Classes were held in the church Social Hall. 
A decision to build a new church was made in 1956 under the leadership of
the Rev. Charles Huddleston. Membership was increasing and the facilities
to handle the large Sunday School classes were inadequate. Parking was a
problem and the foundation was beginning to rot. The lot where the present
buildings now stand was purchased for $14,000. The new church built for a
cost of $87,704 was dedicated on October 7, 1962 with the Rev. A.S. Phillps
serving as pastor. Our pews and two memorial stained glass windows are from
the old church. The bell, now located outside, was cast in 1853 and given
to the church by the Pacific Mail Steamship Company for use in the steeple
of the original church. A used pipe organ purchased in 1956 for $3,500 was
also moved to the new building. The old organ was replaced with a new Rogers
electronic pipe organ on June 16, 1985; the cost being approximately
$26,000.The name of the church at the time of the original charter was the First Congregational Church. Later the name was changed to Community Congregational Church. At the annual meeting of the congregation in January 1961, the present name, Community Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, and a new form of government with a revised constitution and bylaws were adopted. |
Where we are
Join us
Sundays at 10am
1305 West Second St.
mail to: P.O. Box 187
Benicia, California 94510
707-745-0674
email: revrenie@cccucc.org
Click here for more info
The Church is fully accessible to wheelchairs.
