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First Congegational Church of Riverside
Riverside
CA
92501
- United Church of Christ churches in Riverside, CA
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Who we are
In The Heart of Riverside, With a Heart for Riverside
In 1620, the forbears of our denomination, the United Church of Christ, left Europe in search of spiritual freedom. Later generations would know them as the Pilgrims. As they departed for the new world, their pastor, John Robinson, urged them to always keep their minds and hearts open to new ways with these words: “God has yet more light and truth to break forth from his holy Word.”
In many ways that early history says a lot about who we continue to be. While we are people grounded in a faith that is 2000 years old, we are always searching for new ways of understanding and interpreting scripture in light of 21st century experience and knowledge. And we are a pilgrim people, called by God to serve as God’s ambassadors of reconciliation and peace, builders of God’s kingdom, and bearers of God’s light in places of darkness.
Ours is a proud heritage of seeking justice. We played an important role in the abolitionist movement and later in the civil rights movement in this country. We were the first protestant denomination in America to ordain an African American (1785, Lemuel Haynes), a woman (1853, Antoinette Brown), and an openly gay person (1972, William Johnson).
We celebrate our heritage, but we also seek to continue it. We are vigorously involved in our community; from our involvement with the neediest residents of this city to speaking up at City Council Meetings, our presence in our city is felt.
Written upon the walls of our building are these words from Micah: Do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God. It is to that calling that we seek to be faithful.
In 1620, the forbears of our denomination, the United Church of Christ, left Europe in search of spiritual freedom. Later generations would know them as the Pilgrims. As they departed for the new world, their pastor, John Robinson, urged them to always keep their minds and hearts open to new ways with these words: “God has yet more light and truth to break forth from his holy Word.”
In many ways that early history says a lot about who we continue to be. While we are people grounded in a faith that is 2000 years old, we are always searching for new ways of understanding and interpreting scripture in light of 21st century experience and knowledge. And we are a pilgrim people, called by God to serve as God’s ambassadors of reconciliation and peace, builders of God’s kingdom, and bearers of God’s light in places of darkness.
Ours is a proud heritage of seeking justice. We played an important role in the abolitionist movement and later in the civil rights movement in this country. We were the first protestant denomination in America to ordain an African American (1785, Lemuel Haynes), a woman (1853, Antoinette Brown), and an openly gay person (1972, William Johnson).
We celebrate our heritage, but we also seek to continue it. We are vigorously involved in our community; from our involvement with the neediest residents of this city to speaking up at City Council Meetings, our presence in our city is felt.
Written upon the walls of our building are these words from Micah: Do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God. It is to that calling that we seek to be faithful.
Street Address
3504 Mission Ave
Riverside,
CA
92501
United States
Phone: 951-684-2494 / 951-941-7152
Fax: 951-778-0309
Download First Congegational Church of Riverside vCard with Service Times
Church Pastor
Pastor
3504 Mission Ave
Riverside,
CA
92501
United States
Phone: 951-684-2494 / 951-941-7152
Fax: 951-778-0309
Download Pastor Kristen Nelson vCard
Quote of the Day
Romans 8:37
Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
Denomination
United Church of Christ
United Church of Christ churches in Riverside, California, United States
United Church of Christ churches in California, United States
United Church of Christ churches in United States
All churches in Riverside, CA
Affiliations:
Website:
Social Media
First Congegational Church of Riverside Riverside on YouTube
Leadership
Leader Name:
Kristen Nelson
Leader Position:
Pastor
Formal Title:
Leader Address:
Tel:
Fax:
951-778-0309
Leader Email:
Leader Bio:
Other Church Leaders:
Kristen Nelson on Social Media:
First Congegational Church of Riverside Leadership Photos
Administration
Admin Name:
Admin Position:
Admin Address:
Telephone:
Fax:
Admin Email:
Mailing Address
PO Box 1648
Riverside, CA
92502
Riverside, CA
92502
Driving Directions to First Congegational Church of Riverside
Travel/Directions Tips
Transportation
If you are 62 or older, or disabled and looking for transportation to attend church, meetings, grocery shopping or medical appointments, two transportation agencies offer shared ride transportation. Riverside Transit Agency, Dial-A-Ride offers transportation within Riverside County. The City of Riverside, Riverside Connect offers transportation within the City of Riverside. Fees are nominal. Brochures with details are available in the Narthex.
Details also on their respective websites or by phone:
https://www.riversidetransit.com/index.php/dial-a-ride/how-to-use-dial-a-ride
Phone: (800) 795-7887
Special Transportation Division | Parks, Recreation and Community Services (riversideca.gov)
Phone: 951-687-8080
If you are 62 or older, or disabled and looking for transportation to attend church, meetings, grocery shopping or medical appointments, two transportation agencies offer shared ride transportation. Riverside Transit Agency, Dial-A-Ride offers transportation within Riverside County. The City of Riverside, Riverside Connect offers transportation within the City of Riverside. Fees are nominal. Brochures with details are available in the Narthex.
Details also on their respective websites or by phone:
https://www.riversidetransit.com/index.php/dial-a-ride/how-to-use-dial-a-ride
Phone: (800) 795-7887
Special Transportation Division | Parks, Recreation and Community Services (riversideca.gov)
Phone: 951-687-8080
Parking
The church is located on the corner of Mission Inn and Lemon. There is street parking available adjacent to the church as well as two public (free on Sundays!) parking lots on Lemon Street between University and Mission Inn. The entrance to our small private church lot is on Lemon Street between our Parish House and the Church; we reserve this lot on Sunday mornings for those who need to be close to the entrance, including those who require an accessible entrance. For more information about parking, visit https://parkatriverside.com
First Congegational Church of Riverside Riverside Service Times
Sunday Service at 10:00am
Taize Worship 2nd Monday of the Month
Service Times last updated on the 5th of January, 2025
Taize Worship 2nd Monday of the Month
Service Times last updated on the 5th of January, 2025
Worship Languages
Dress code:
Our congregation is diverse in many ways, including how people dress. You will see some folk in sport jackets and dresses, but you will also see people in shorts, T-shirts, and flip flops. Please wear whatever makes you most comfortable.
Children and Youth Activities
Under 12s:
Under 18s:
Local outreach & community activities:
Other activities & ministries
Special Needs/Accessibility:
The sanctuary and main level of the church are entirely accessible, including a handicap accessible bathroom.
Prayers and hymns:
Main Bible:
Hymns and Songs:
Other information:
Average Adult Congregation:
Average Youth Congregation:
Additional Info:
First Congegational Church of Riverside Photo Gallery
First Congegational Church of Riverside History
The First Congregational Church was founded on April 21, 1872, shortly after the founding of the City of Riverside, when a few of the early settlers banded together and became the first organized church in Riverside. The following year, they constructed the first church building. Since it was constructed with community-wide support and also served other faiths, it was called the First Church of Christ in Riverside. In 1887, the Congregationalists moved to the present site and constructed a wooden Gothic-style church.
Some Memorable Dates:
April 21, 1872
Founding of the church.
March 23, 1873
First church building dedicated, Sixth and Vine.
June 12, 1887
Second church building dedicated, Seventh and Lemon.
December 1, 1912
Laying of cornerstone for new church.
January 25, 1914
Dedication of the present building.
It is one of the most significant Spanish Revival structures existing in Southern California. It was designed by Myron Hunt, a leading California architect who also designed the Spanish Wing of the Mission Inn and the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. The building is a brick structure with a concrete tower. Henry Jekel was the architectural engineer for the Spanish Baroque Churrigueresque tower.
April 17, 1927
The Baptismal Font
The baptismal font is one of the unique furnishings of the church. It was carved from American Walnut by Richard Lippich of Lancaster, New York, a Swiss carver who had just arrived in the United States. The inscription on the font reads, “In memory of one from the east who worshiped in this church.” It was given by Mr. C.C. Childs as a memorial for his wife and installed on Easter 1927.
December, 1941
Pilgrim Hall and kitchen leased to U.S. Government for use during World War II.
April 20, 1947
Seventy-fifth Anniversary Celebration, and dedication of memorial stained glass windows.
Around the upper level of the sanctuary are eight stained glass windows. The first four of these windows were donated in the 1940’s by an anonymous couple staying at the Mission Inn, and the four others were donated later. The windows were designed by Horace Judson and made by the Judson Studios of Los Angeles. Five windows were dedicated April 4, 1947; three more were dedicated November 20, 1955. The eight windows represent: The Nativity; Christ in the Temple; The Baptism; Christ Blessing the Children; The Light of the World; Prayer; Communion; and the Woman of Samaria. The Sistine Madonna Window, also a Judson Studio Creation, was the first stained glass in the church (1916). The Window was restored and dedicated in April 1997 in celebration of the 125th anniversary of the founding of the church.
April 9, 1950
Dedication of the Great Cross
It is made of 23 enamel on copper panels depicting some of the ideas central to the beliefs of the church. It was given by Mr. and Mrs. Dominic Tavaglione in memory of her mother, Pearl Parker, and her brother, George A. Parker. The idea of the cross was conceived by Millard Sheets, world-renowned artist from Claremont, and it was designed by Margaret Montgomery, later Mrs. Jarvis Barlow, in the art department of Scripps College.
March 22, 1959
Dedication of Austin pipe organ.
The organ was designed by Robert G. Derick, organist and choirmaster in the church from 1949 to 1965. It is a 38-rank, three manual pipe with 2,292 pipes, made by the Austin Organ Company of Hartford, Connecticut.
February, 1970
Plymouth Tower, a facility for seniors established by the Church and the Retirement Housing Foundation, open for occupancy. (Later became a private facility no longer associated with FCC.)
1984
“Project: Food“, a meal program for the homeless, began.
October 1, 1989
Carillon installed in the Tower.
For many years the church’s 135′ bell tower was empty. in 1986, Don and Beth Miller began the Carillon Project in memory of their son, Scott. A Carillon was chosen, consisting of 24 bells, each of which rings a different pitch on the chromatic scale. The bells, which are the only pealing bells located in Southern California, were manufactured in France.
March 19, 1995
Became an “open and affirming” congregation, affirming the dignity and worth of all races, ethnicities, ages, abilities, genders, and sexual orientations.
1996
The FCC Madonna
The stained glass window was an FCC Sunday School project in the 1890’s when children donated pennies for 15 years. It was modeled after the Sistine Madonna (or Madonna di San Sisto oil painting) which was used as an altarpeice at the church of San Sistoin Piacenza, Italy. Although the original included Saints Sixtus and Barbara and cherubs at Mary’s feet, this version is true to Raphael Sanzio’s original painted in 1513-14. The facial expressions reflect the painting’s original placement near a crucifix. This is an excellent example of High Renaissance art and was the only stained glass in this building until 1947 when five memorial stained glass windows were installed in the sanctuary. It originally hung on the north wall but was removed during the remodel of the church in 1955. In 1996 it was removed from storage, restored and installed with love in this display box.
April 24, 2016
Open and affirming statement revised and expanded.
We are a church of extravagant welcome. Our faith leads us to invite and celebrate all persons, including those of every race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, family structure, physical and mental health, social and economic circumstance, and faith journey. Seeking justice and equality for all, we make a commitment to lovingly embrace our diversity with respect, compassion, and understanding. We unconditionally welcome all to share in the full life, leadership, ministry, fellowship, worship, sacraments, responsibilities, and blessings of our congregation.
Some Memorable Dates:
April 21, 1872
Founding of the church.
March 23, 1873
First church building dedicated, Sixth and Vine.
June 12, 1887
Second church building dedicated, Seventh and Lemon.
December 1, 1912
Laying of cornerstone for new church.
January 25, 1914
Dedication of the present building.
It is one of the most significant Spanish Revival structures existing in Southern California. It was designed by Myron Hunt, a leading California architect who also designed the Spanish Wing of the Mission Inn and the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. The building is a brick structure with a concrete tower. Henry Jekel was the architectural engineer for the Spanish Baroque Churrigueresque tower.
April 17, 1927
The Baptismal Font
The baptismal font is one of the unique furnishings of the church. It was carved from American Walnut by Richard Lippich of Lancaster, New York, a Swiss carver who had just arrived in the United States. The inscription on the font reads, “In memory of one from the east who worshiped in this church.” It was given by Mr. C.C. Childs as a memorial for his wife and installed on Easter 1927.
December, 1941
Pilgrim Hall and kitchen leased to U.S. Government for use during World War II.
April 20, 1947
Seventy-fifth Anniversary Celebration, and dedication of memorial stained glass windows.
Around the upper level of the sanctuary are eight stained glass windows. The first four of these windows were donated in the 1940’s by an anonymous couple staying at the Mission Inn, and the four others were donated later. The windows were designed by Horace Judson and made by the Judson Studios of Los Angeles. Five windows were dedicated April 4, 1947; three more were dedicated November 20, 1955. The eight windows represent: The Nativity; Christ in the Temple; The Baptism; Christ Blessing the Children; The Light of the World; Prayer; Communion; and the Woman of Samaria. The Sistine Madonna Window, also a Judson Studio Creation, was the first stained glass in the church (1916). The Window was restored and dedicated in April 1997 in celebration of the 125th anniversary of the founding of the church.
April 9, 1950
Dedication of the Great Cross
It is made of 23 enamel on copper panels depicting some of the ideas central to the beliefs of the church. It was given by Mr. and Mrs. Dominic Tavaglione in memory of her mother, Pearl Parker, and her brother, George A. Parker. The idea of the cross was conceived by Millard Sheets, world-renowned artist from Claremont, and it was designed by Margaret Montgomery, later Mrs. Jarvis Barlow, in the art department of Scripps College.
March 22, 1959
Dedication of Austin pipe organ.
The organ was designed by Robert G. Derick, organist and choirmaster in the church from 1949 to 1965. It is a 38-rank, three manual pipe with 2,292 pipes, made by the Austin Organ Company of Hartford, Connecticut.
February, 1970
Plymouth Tower, a facility for seniors established by the Church and the Retirement Housing Foundation, open for occupancy. (Later became a private facility no longer associated with FCC.)
1984
“Project: Food“, a meal program for the homeless, began.
October 1, 1989
Carillon installed in the Tower.
For many years the church’s 135′ bell tower was empty. in 1986, Don and Beth Miller began the Carillon Project in memory of their son, Scott. A Carillon was chosen, consisting of 24 bells, each of which rings a different pitch on the chromatic scale. The bells, which are the only pealing bells located in Southern California, were manufactured in France.
March 19, 1995
Became an “open and affirming” congregation, affirming the dignity and worth of all races, ethnicities, ages, abilities, genders, and sexual orientations.
1996
The FCC Madonna
The stained glass window was an FCC Sunday School project in the 1890’s when children donated pennies for 15 years. It was modeled after the Sistine Madonna (or Madonna di San Sisto oil painting) which was used as an altarpeice at the church of San Sistoin Piacenza, Italy. Although the original included Saints Sixtus and Barbara and cherubs at Mary’s feet, this version is true to Raphael Sanzio’s original painted in 1513-14. The facial expressions reflect the painting’s original placement near a crucifix. This is an excellent example of High Renaissance art and was the only stained glass in this building until 1947 when five memorial stained glass windows were installed in the sanctuary. It originally hung on the north wall but was removed during the remodel of the church in 1955. In 1996 it was removed from storage, restored and installed with love in this display box.
April 24, 2016
Open and affirming statement revised and expanded.
We are a church of extravagant welcome. Our faith leads us to invite and celebrate all persons, including those of every race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, family structure, physical and mental health, social and economic circumstance, and faith journey. Seeking justice and equality for all, we make a commitment to lovingly embrace our diversity with respect, compassion, and understanding. We unconditionally welcome all to share in the full life, leadership, ministry, fellowship, worship, sacraments, responsibilities, and blessings of our congregation.
First Congegational Church of Riverside Historical Photos
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