First Congreational Church is fortunate to possess one of the most comprehensive archival collections of any religious institution in the United States. Spanning from the church’s founding in 1852 to the present day, records are kept and maintained so that the church’s story is available for any to read. While the First Church collection continues to expand as new records are added, the church’s archivists constantly endeavor to apply up-to-date knowledge of archival maintenance to ensure that the oldest and newest records are properly cared for.
Here are some examples of the records that comprise the First Church Archives:
- Church newsletters (consistently since 1911)
- Sunday Service Bulletins (consistently since 1911)
- Annual Reports
- Church Council Minutes
- Deacon Meeting Minutes
- Membership Records
- Committee Minutes
- Sermons (representative from Washington Gladden to current day)
- Programs from Concert Series (all performances since the mid-1970s)
- Architectural renderings for the neo-gothic Sanctuary, the Parish House, and the Education Wing
- Extensive collection of photographs
Our church archivists are frequently called upon by clergy, other church staff, and members of the greater Columbus community to provide historical information for research purposes. As the Collection reaches a more consistent organizational structure, it is the intent of the archivists to make the Collection available for research by church members and scholars on an appointment basis.
Each month, interesting facts and accounts, gleaned from the First Church Archives, are shared with the congregation through the church newsletter Connections. This page of the website stores these entries as they are published and serves as an on-demand platform for members and friends of the church to be able to access previous monthly entries whenever users choose.
The more than 170-year history of First Congregational Church is a tapestry of captivating stories—from its abolitionist founders to proponents of the social gospel, to visionary builders of the “cathedral of grace” on East Broad Street, to present-day contributors in service of God’s work in the church and community. Many First Church members, including numerous seniors, have grown up here, fostering long-lasting relationships and accumulating innumerable experiences. Some parishioners may not have such a long history with First Church but have been actively involved for an extended period of time. And newcomers, drawn by the church’s mission, community service, and worship, add their contributions to the vibrant community each year.
Every member, regardless of background, holds unique stories and memories about First Church just waiting to be shared. First Stories seeks to make that possible. Sponsored by the Heritage Committee, these podcast-like interviews are hosted by journalist and church member Nancy Gilson Braverman and feature members of the First Church faith community who share their reflections, experiences, and hopes for the future.
Click on the links below to listen to First Church members tell their stories.
Hear the inaugural broadcast of First Stories, featuring an interview with long-time First Church member Jackie Dean. In this engaging conversation with interviewer Nancy Gilson Braverman, a fellow church member and journalist, Jackie discusses various aspects of her life and experiences, including:
- Growing up in Mt Zion Congregational Church, Cleveland, and its parallels to First Church;
- Meeting Martin Luther King, Jr;
- How she came to First Church and what has kept her here;
- The churchʻs senior ministers from the Rev. Dr. Chalmers Coe to present day;
- Her nearly two decades of work with our confirmation classes;
- Her views on some of the challenges that downtown churches face;
- What makes her smile when she thinks about First Church.
The second issue of First Stories feature an interview with long-time First Church member Martha (Marty) Worth. In this engaging conversation with interviewer Nancy Gilson Braverman, a fellow church member and journalist, Marty discusses various aspects of her life and experiences, including:
- Growing up in First Church, getting married here, and having her first child baptized from our font;
- How, in her day, children did not attend services in the sanctuary but had their own services in Gladden Chapel;
- Moving away for forty years as she and huband Gerry lived in different parts of the country . . . and coming back to First Church in 2002;
- How she served as a “church lady” in various churches during her life and became Program Manager here at First Church
- The pastorates of Boynton Merrill, Chalmers Coe, and Tim Ahrens
- Why she thinks First Church, as a downtown church, continues to thrive after 172 years
- Her love of the churchʻs worship and music tradition in the context of its Gothic space
- The importance of the churchʻs continued emphasis on social justice, with the Good Samaritan Fund as a perfect exemplar
- A formula for success as First Church moves into its future
The Heritage Committee is pleased to present two interviews with the Rev. Dr. Timothy Ahrens, shared through First Stories, as he nears the conclusion of nearly 25 years of ministry at First Congregational Church.
In this first interview, hosted by journalist and First Church member Nancy Gilson Braverman, hear Dr. Ahrens reflect on
- How First Church’s call specifically emphasized his role as a minister of social justice.
- Some of the highlights and challenges of his tenure.
- The challenges posed by the pandemic, especially the extended separation of members.
- Tips for fostering longevity in a congregation (Tim compares First Church’s 172 years of existence to the average lifespan of most congregations).
- The influence of Washington Gladden on both his ministry and the church.
- How the beauty and majesty of our sanctuary, along with art and music, combine to create awe-inspiring worship experiences.
This is an interview you will not want to miss.
The Heritage Committee is pleased to present the second of two interviews with the Rev. Dr. Timothy Ahrens, shared through First Stories, as he nears the conclusion of nearly 25 years of ministry at First Congregational Church.
Join journalist and First Church member Nancy Gilson Braverman as she hosts a reflection by Dr. Ahrens on the rich history and beauty of our sanctuary, including:
- How our sacred space fosters deeper connections with God, the clergy, and fellow worshippers.
- The meticulous restoration of the one-million-piece Jeffrey stained-glass window above the Chancel.
- The stories behind the Friendship and Gladden Windows in the East and West Transepts, and the Rose Window, now partially obscured by the Beckerath Organ.
- The gift of 16th-century Belgian tapestries, donated by member Frederick Schumacher in the late 1930s.
- The addition of the Clerestory and Aisle windows in the 1980s and their Biblical symbolism.
- The restoration of the Kimball Organ, made possible by a bequest from Jean MacNevin.
- The Veterans Memorial in the southwest corner of the nave, completed as part of Adam Wade’s Eagle Scout project.
- Our newest stained-glass windows: the Music Window, honoring G. Dene Barnard, and the Social Justice Window.
We are honored to share this final interview with Tim and hope you find it both meaningful and enjoyable.