Just a little bit about our church.
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MEET
OUR PASTOR
Our
pastor is Reverend William F. Gentry II. He began his ministry at
First Congregational Church of McGregor in 2001. Prior to that, Pastor
Gentry was a school chaplain and pastor at First Congregational Church in Los
Angeles. Originally from Anchorage, Alaska, Pastor Gentry
received his Master of Divinity degree from Pacific School of Religion In Berkeley,
California. His undergraduate degree in philosophy
was from Regis College in Denver,
Colorado. In additioin to being a pastor, William Gentry is a
photographer. He and his wife Laura, published a book of
photographs called Living
Word, in 2005. Their online gallery of art is found at www.thegentryjoint.com.
A SHORT
HISTORY
OF FCC MCGREGOR
The
church was organized on the evening of Sunday, January 4, 1857.
J. M. Merrill, Mrs. Ann E. Merrill, Robert Grant, Mrs. Esther Grant,
Elizabeth Dearborn, Elizabeth Jones and Clorinda Bowen were the first
seven members to constitute a church of Christ. Two of the
original members were from New Hampshire, two from New York, one
from Massachusetts, one from Wisconsin, and one from the Methodist
Church of McGregor. A constitution was adopted, full and
explicit, and after the type of New England Congregationalism.
Between 1857 and 1867, 295 members connected with the church. The church grew as the community grew. Meetings were held in an old brick school house and later in the Barron building on Main Street. In 1860 a sanctuary was built and later enlarged.
The church has had its trials and tribulations. The original structure burned in 1949, leaving only the bell tower standing. Services were held in the Community building while the present structure was erected. On August 8, 1952 the present church was dedicated. The original bell is housed in a separate tower at the front of the present church.
As our community has become smaller so has our congregation, however, services in the church and service to others by members of the church have been continuous throughout the years.
We invite you to subscribe to our free news blog by submiting your email address in the form below: (Your email address will not be provided to others by any means.) As posts are added you will receive an email notifying you of the post.
Between 1857 and 1867, 295 members connected with the church. The church grew as the community grew. Meetings were held in an old brick school house and later in the Barron building on Main Street. In 1860 a sanctuary was built and later enlarged.
The church has had its trials and tribulations. The original structure burned in 1949, leaving only the bell tower standing. Services were held in the Community building while the present structure was erected. On August 8, 1952 the present church was dedicated. The original bell is housed in a separate tower at the front of the present church.
As our community has become smaller so has our congregation, however, services in the church and service to others by members of the church have been continuous throughout the years.
We invite you to subscribe to our free news blog by submiting your email address in the form below: (Your email address will not be provided to others by any means.) As posts are added you will receive an email notifying you of the post.
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us:
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Copyright: 2010 First Congregational Church of McGregor,
Iowa