The First Congregational United Church of Christ of Corning, New York was founded in 1890. Its history is characterized by devotion to God and service and outreach to the community by its loyal members and the 18 pastors who have been called to serve this church.
The congregation began on Saturday, September 27, 1872, when a group of women met to organize a sewing Society to work for the benefit of the Union Sunday School in Knoxville (as the north side of Corning was then called). This group became known as the Ladies Aid Society. They purchased an all-purpose community building near Pulteney Street for Sunday School and named it the "Chapel."
The church was officially launched on September 24, 1890, with 34 members. Later that year the Reverend Nathan Fuller was hired, and Walter Blair was appointed as the first choir director, where he would serve for 53 years. Following a fund drive that raised $21,000, a new building was constructed on the corner of Bridge and Ontario Streets. The building was dedicated on May 13, 1897, and had a seating capacity of 1,000. It was truly a community church with High School commencements and civic meetings being held there for many years.
In 1905, a significant fire ruined the organ and damaged a piano and the interior of the church. Andrew Carnegie gave $1,250 toward a new organ, and the Ladies Aid Society donated $1,000 toward debt reduction. Church services were held in the Northside Fire Station until the church was safe to use again.
The Ladies Aid Society raised substantial funds through church suppers, fairs, plays, and catering to groups who met over meals at the church. Their Harvest Suppers were known throughout the City of Corning. In the 1940s, the Society became the Women's Association, and the membership was divided into circles of fellowship.
During the years of World War II, the original church building became too costly to maintain in good repair. Land was purchased in 1946 at the corner of Pulteney and Pritchard Streets, and a building committee was formed. However, many members disagreed with the plans for a much smaller building and felt that $100,000 was too much to raise. A "no decision" policy was adopted in June 1951 and reaffirmed in January 1954. In January 1960, the congregation finally voted to build a new church. Groundbreaking was held on March 19, 1961, and the new church was dedicated on October 22, 1961.
On June 23, 1972, tropical storm Agnes caused massive flooding in our area. Many parishioners' homes were devastated and the church building had eight feet of water throughout. During the summer of 1972, church services were abbreviated with those attending wearing scrubbing clothes and sitting on folding chairs in Fellowship Hall. After services (as well as during the week), all who could helped with cleaning and repairing in the church.
The church celebrated its Centennial year in 1990 with a year-long celebration. There was a display of historical pictures, various parties, a tree-planting, and an all-church dinner to celebrate our birthday. A special anthem by Hal Hopson was commissioned for the Church.
The First Congregational United Church of Christ continues today, like its ancestors of bygone years, to open its church building to many community groups for meetings.