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We Treasure the Past....and Embrace the Future!

  The United Church of Christ ( Congregational and Disciples)  in New Smyrna Beach is the oldest Congregational Church in the state of Florida and is the only congregation in the state whose members and pastor have full standing in two national denominations:  The United Church of Christ and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ.)

We began our illustrious history in 1875 when a small group of citizens in New Smyrna Beach and surrounding areas met to organize themselves into a church.  The Reverend Charles G. Selleck was the leader and met with members William Coe, Emily Selleck, Jane Sheldon and Virginia Lowd.  The church was to be open and inclusive for "all orthodox denominations and Christians". They called it "Christ Church" and changed its name to Christ Congregations Church in 1888. The church received its charter February 18 and adopted a constitution 10 days later.  The lot of the present location was purchased for $200 and a new church building which would accomodate 75 was built by volunteers. Memorial stained glass windows were given in memory of the founders and remain in the present sanctuary as part of our treasured past and inspiration for the future.

From 1948 to 1953, the Christ Congregation Church and the Presbyterian Church formed a federation, sharing use of the church and properties. The two churches returned to separate services in 1954.

In January of 1958, the membership accepted the generous offer from Mr. ad Mrs. Barnes for a new building to be constructed in the rear of the church and was called Chapman Hall.  Chapman Hall still serves today as the "hub" for many fellowship and church activities.

In 1959, Christ Congregation churches and Evangelical and Reformed churches joined to become the United Church of Christ.

In 1970, the congregation voted to build a new church which would reflect a more "modern" appearance.   Aspects of the previous church building were incorporated into the new church building and the beautiful stained glass windows were placed in the sanctuary.

In 1972, First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), merged with the United Church of Christ in New Smyrna Beach.

In 1999, the congregation began looking once more at building a new church and expanding our facilities.   Times were changing; the community was growing, especially with young families, and we needed additional space.  The congregation realized that we needed to "embrace the future" by building Christian Education facilities and expand our facilities to meet the need for  increasing church functions and community needs. At the same time, we wanted to restore the beautiful steeple and historic beauty of our past which was such a "treasure". It was not an easy task to accomplish our vision. In light of the hurricanes of 2005, and other set backs of various natures and proportions, it would have been understandable to "give up"...but not this congregation.  It continued to have faith in the future.

In 2007, we realized our dream and vision with the help of innovative architects, a dedicated group of church members and friends, and a supportive congregation. We obtained the  "occupancy permit" for the educational and administrative buildings and Chapman Hall from the City of New Smyrna Beach in the Spring of 2007.  

(Click on the photo for a larger view)

Now the time has come for us to make history in utilizing this new church building and facilities for fulfilling God's purposes.  Won't you please join us??