First Congregational Church

About this church

First Congregational United Church of Christ has served Springfield since 1867 and has worshiped at Bates Avenue since 1958, after a fire destroyed its earlier building. The congregation became part of the United Church of Christ in 1961 and now presents itself simply as “a church for everyone,” explicitly welcoming people across differences in background, income, family situation, sexuality, belief, and doubt. Sunday offers an interactive, discussion-style Bible study and worship gathering at 8:00 a.m., followed by the main worship service at 10:00.

Coffee fellowship follows the early gathering, and children's Sunday school begins at 10:15. Community work is a defining part of the church's public life: members assemble Church World Service disaster-cleanup buckets, collect donations for Springfield organizations, prepare Thanksgiving baskets with local Jewish congregations, and continue a long-running White Gifts Christmas program for people in need. The church stands at the corner of Bates Avenue and Cherry Road. Visitors can review sermons online and use the official calendar for current events, while the office accepts community donations Tuesday through Friday mornings.

Researched from the church’s official website and reviewed August 23, 2026. Sources: Official worship schedule and welcome · Official history and UCC identity · Official community work guide · Official worship video page

Service times

Confirm current times directly with the church before visiting.

Location