First Congregational Church of Wauwatosa is a welcoming Christian community where people of all ages support each other on their spiritual journeys. We follow Jesus Christ, worship God together, and seek to live out Christ’s teachings in our daily lives.
Congregationalism began in 16th-century England when believers sought a simpler approach to faith—one that valued autonomy and the freedom to worship without hierarchies or outside control. These early Christians chose their own ministers, valued genuine prayer over rigid ritual, and believed each person should be able to follow God according to their own conscience. When they came to America and founded Plymouth Colony, we came to know them as the Pilgrims.
Today, we continue their legacy of intellectual freedom, Christian education, fellowship, and authentic worship. We believe the local congregation—people bound together by shared commitment—is the most genuine way to be Christ’s body in the world.
First Congregational Church was the first to organize and is the oldest in Wauwatosa. The first meeting, in 1842, was in the small log house of Deacon Richard Gilbert, Sr. on North Avenue just west of Highway 100. This site was purchased from Charles Hart for $50, and the original building…
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Faith — We recognize the Bible as our guide and foundation. We’re centered on Christ and practice the sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion. Our style of worship is traditional.
Freedom — Freedom of conscience matters deeply to us. We value the ability to read, think, question, and respond. As a self-governing congregation, we choose our own minister and elect our lay leaders. Every member, including the pastor, has a voice and a vote.
Fellowship — Our church was formed when individuals, called by God to follow Christ, gathered to write a covenant—a promise to be faithful to God, to each other, and to our community. Members join by embracing this covenant rather than agreeing to a prescribed set of doctrines.
We are members of the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches and actively participate with this national association. We are also in good standing with the Wisconsin Congregational Association (the state chapter) and are proud to be affiliated with the Congregational Home senior living and rehabilitation facility.
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