in Christ
Discover Our Identity: Words Chosen by Our Congregation to Define Our Church
Discover Our Heritage: Tracing the Journey of Faith That Built Our Church
First Congregational United Church of Christ, Sarasota is a spirit-filled church dedicated to fostering unity, acceptance of all, righteousness, justice, and peace.
As you walk through our doors, you become part of our family, bound together by love, faith, and shared values. Our commitment to embracing diversity and celebrating the unique gifts of each individual is evident in everything we do. From our vibrant worship services to our active engagement in community outreach and social justice initiatives, we strive to extend the love of Christ to all.
Through worship, fellowship, and service, we support one another on our spiritual journeys and seek to make a positive impact in our community and beyond. We invite you to join us as we grow together in faith, fellowship, and love, becoming who God is calling us to be.
Read below who our church has been, is now, and is prayerfully becoming through the leadership of laity and clergy.
Church History
Begun in 1954 and established at its present site on S. Euclid Avenue in 1956, the church has a long history of community involvement. First Congregational UCC was instrumental in developing various community projects over the years such as:
- New College of Florida, a UCC-affiliated school during the first seven years beginning in 1964;
- Plymouth Harbor, a retirement facility;
- Orchard Place, a 40 unit HUD facility for physically challenged adults.
The Sanctuary in 1956
The Church in 1956
The Early Days
A Congregational Church in Sarasota was proposed to the UCC Florida State Conference in November, 1953. On January 20, 1954, the Conference asked Rev. Walter Whitney to come to Sarasota to organize a Congregational Church. More than 73 years of age and having just established a church in Ft. Lauderdale, he was ready and eager to establish a church in Sarasota.
A small notice in the local newspaper and some personal invitations brought together 63 people for the first worship service. This service was held Sunday evening, February 14, 1954 in the Women’s Club Auditorium on Park Place, now the main stage at Florida Studio Theater.
A location committee was appointed and in July, they recommended, and the church group voted on, the purchase of five acres of land east of the new Alta Vista School on Euclid Avenue.
In September 1954 a Constitution and Articles of Incorporation were adopted. Rev. Whitney presided. On November 14, members voted to apply for a loan of $16,000 from the Home Missions Board. The firm of Sellew and Gremli was chosen to draw up plans for a church building program.
Growth of the congregation made it imperative that larger quarters be sought. On February 1, 1955, Dr. John Jockinsen began his pastorate as the first minister of First Congregational and on September 4, groundbreaking ceremonies were held. The chancel was constructed from used bricks obtained from the razed courthouse in Tampa. One hundred three new members were welcomed into the church family in 1955, for a total membership of 169.
March 4, 1956 was Dedication Sunday and 450 people gathered for worship in the new sanctuary.
On April 26, 1959, ground was broken for the new Fellowship Hall and Sunday School Building and on October 10, the Sunday School moved out of the sanctuary to the new buildings. The Sunday School planned a Biblical Garden to be placed near the cross in the meditation center of the garden.
The church grew in activity and membership and was known as the “friendliest” church in Sarasota.
The Constitution of the newly formed United Church of Christ was ratified by the congregation and the name of the church was changed to First Congregational United Church of Christ on November 10, 1960.
On September 26, 1962, groundbreaking for the new Christian Education Building was held. On February 17, 1963, the new Educational and Social Center Building was dedicated for grades 5 – 8.
Little Pilgrim Preschool opened in 1963. It was operated under direct supervision of the Board of Christian Education.
For the first time in the 11 years of the church’s existence, all organizations and committees of the church had adequate facilities. The last project – covering two wings to the church building, new portico entrance, narthex and other sanctuary improvements – was completed in 1965.
Fellowship Hall Groundbreaking 1959
Rev. Dr. John Syster with the children
Habitat for Humanity Project Site, 1996
Reed Chapel
The Middle Years
Through the initiative of the Women’s Fellowship, the beautifully renovated Fellowship Hall was dedicated on Thanksgiving Sunday, 1981.
By faith, on a cold and blustery Sunday in February, 1983, the church called the Rev. John E. Syster to be the fourth senior minister. The mortgage on Fellowship Hall was paid off in December and forty-seven people joined the church that year.
The church was becoming a place in which each person was able to offer his or her services and talents. The fall season of 1985 brought a large number of new members, a new church van, and increased activity with the involvement in Habitat for Humanity, Manasota, Inc.
In June, 1986 John completed work on his doctorate of ministry and became the Rev. Dr. John E. Syster.
Gregory Chestnut arrived in January, 1989 as the new minister of music.
The church was chosen by the Department of Housing and Urban Development to receive, along with Bensonville Homes of Illinois, $1.8 million to construct a handicapped housing facility of 40 units in Sarasota, and a site on Lockwood Ridge Road was found. On September 4, 1993, Orchard Place opened, a 40 unit handicapped facility on 13th Street and Lockwood Ridge Road,
The Resurrection House, a day center for the homeless, opened its doors in 1992. The church provided financial support through the Love Offering to begin and maintain Resurrection House. Members of the church purchased their first truck.
A new organ was chosen for the sanctuary in 1993, a tracker type pipe organ, built by Jaeckel Incorporated of Duluth, Minnesota. The installation and tuning was completed in October 1993 and dedicated on February 13 1994.
“Reach for the Dream” became a reality on February 9, 2000, when the Reed Chapel and Music Center was dedicated. For the previous five years, many worked to make this dream come true, especially Medora Reed, for whom the beautiful facility was named.
The four-rank pipe organ in the Reed Chapel was dedicated in April and May of 2001. It had been moved from Maine to Florida; it dates from 1878 and was built by Hook and Hastings in Boston. It was donated by Ruth Upshall.
The Little Pilgrim Preschool experienced an outstanding year in 2002. In July, Little Pilgrim was accredited by the National Association of Education of Young Children (NAEYC) in July.
In 2011, we celebrated Dr. John Syster’s 40th year of Christian ministry with a big luncheon party on the church lawn.
Recent History
In the spring of 2012, Dr. Syster, after 29 years of service to our church and community, announced his plans for retirement as of July 31. The congregation elected a 10-person search committee, and in the early fall of 2013 they had unanimously agreed upon their candidate. Following protocol he was presented to the church, met with us, led us in worship and preached to us in his style. And we gave a near unanimous vote of acceptance to the Rev. Dr. Wesley Bixby, then Minister of the UCC Church in Janesville, WI. Wes brought with him his wife, Gina, son, Ethan and daughter, Olivia.
Pastor Wes has led us through many, many Bible studies, book readings and small group meetings, with an open door policy always telling us to come and talk with him. He has continued to lead us in our professed spirit of extravagant welcome with the words, “Whoever you are and wherever you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.” And at the conclusion of each service of worship, “Our service of worship has ended, and our service to the world has begun. Let all God’s people say ‘Amen’!”. He has been a huge part in helping us become a spirit-filled congregation.
We look forward to Pastor Wes’ preaching, teaching and spiritual leadership. And we have pledged to support and work with him to grow and develop our church for many years to come.
In reflecting on our church’s rich history, we must acknowledge the extraordinary contributions of Greg Chestnut, who served as Minister of Music for 35 years. Greg was instrumental in developing our comprehensive music program and played a key role in creative worship planning.
As we celebrate Greg’s remarkable legacy, we express our deep gratitude for his many years of dedicated service. We now look forward to welcoming new leadership to continue nurturing and growing our vibrant music ministry.
The Bixby Family
The Labyrinth
The Memorial Garden
The Sanctuary Prior to the 2023 Renovation
The Church Exterior Today
The Peace Pole
Greg Chestnut, Minister of Music Emeritus
Sanctuary Remodel 2023
In 2023, the church’s sanctuary underwent a significant transformation with the installation of a new floor, beautiful new paraments, and updated pew cushions. This renovation was the result of dedicated leadership and contributions from many in our congregation. Special thanks go to Bud Rives for his outstanding leadership throughout the project, and to Carol and Doug Fields for their tireless help in removing baseboards and upholstering chairs.
The new paraments, crafted by Carol Fields, celebrate the covenants that define our church’s commitment to justice and community. Additional gratitude goes to Don Hoy for his leadership in upholstering chairs, particularly the four that sit in the chancel, and to Roy Burns and Maggie Revere for their generous contributions to the new pew cushions. Thanks to the Women’s Association, these cushions now provide comfort to everyone who attends services.
The Facilities and Grounds Team, led by Rob Quarles and Chris Cooper, played a critical role in supporting the project from start to finish. Countless volunteers came together on Saturdays to clean, install, and prepare the space for its rededication. On September 17, 2023, we re-dedicated our sanctuary to the glory of God, praying that future generations will find it to be a place where all are truly welcome.
Design / Delivery Team
Tile Removal
Paraments by Carol Fields
Our Beautiful New Sanctuary
Celebrating 70 Years of Faith and Community
On November 10, 2024, we concluded a year-long celebration marking 70 years of ministry, growth, and fellowship at First Congregational United Church of Christ Sarasota. Pastor Wes led us with a message from Isaiah 40, and Susan Moore shared her song, “Ain’t Gonna Be 69 No More,” reminding us to reflect with joy on this milestone. For seven decades, our church has been a place of worship, service, and love, shaping a legacy that inspires us as we continue our journey together.
Word cloud by Carol Fields made from the words we collected from our congregants expressing how they feel about our church.
Video by Carol McCloud
Watch our special video, ‘Celebrating 70 Years of Ministry,’ and witness the cherished memories, impactful moments, and inspiring stories that have shaped our church’s legacy. Let’s honor the past, embrace the present, and look forward to the future together.