Union Congregational church was organized on August 7, 1888,
as a union of two Congregational churches both located in the
center of Rockville (next to the park). The First Congregational Church of Rockville had been established in 1836, and it later sold its property to the town as the site for the Memorial Hall building (town hall) on March 30, 1888. Four days later on April 3, 1888, the Second Congregational Church of Rockville, which had been established in 1849, was completely destroyed by fire! Both churches were now without homes. After much discussion, it was voted to combine both church congreg-ations into union on August 7, 1888, and thus Union Congregational Church was formed.

A gifted architect, Warren H Hayes, of Minneapolis, was chosen to plan the new church on the site of the Second Congregational Church. (He signed the contract on April 3, 1889, exactly one year after the fire.) Union church is an excellent example of Richardson Romanesque architecture. It is constructed with two shades of gray Monson granite. The extremely fine detail and workmanship are outstanding.

The cornerstone was laid on June 8, 1889. The church was completed and dedicated on September 18, 1890, with 1400 persons in attendance. Imagine- from the vote to unite (1888) to the completion of the new church building (1890) (with minister and staff in place!) all in two years at a cost of $72,731 (for the building).

The church celebrated its one hundredth anniversary in 1988. Many special activities during a busy year reflected the thankfulness and joy of the members for this union of a century ago. A time capsule was buried as part of this celebration and will be openend in June 2039.

The building has served generations very well. It is continually being repaired, renovated, and modernized for efficiency and adaptability for changes in programs and projects. Our North Wing underwent changes for youth activities use as well as a place for community outreach.

Union Church continues to participate in such activities. the community kitchen was started in Union Church and continued there for several years until it acquired its own facilities. Other activites include the annual choir festival, the Thanksgiving ecumenical service, the Christmas and easter services, various outreach projects in the community, and other mission acitivites.

The most important part of a church is not the building but rather the people. We have a theme: "Woven Together As Christians to Serve." We are a unique tapestry of many backgrounds, experiences, talents, gifts, creativity, resources - and plain common sense! We have truly dedicated and strong pastors and staff. We have many committees and hardworking volunteers to help fulfill our purpose. We have excellent Bible educational programs for all ages, prayer groups, women's and men's groups, and intergenerational programs.


Please visit our section on News, Calendars and Fellowship Activities to learn about our activities.