Business After Hours at First Church Congregational, UCC

Join First Church Congregational, UCC as they host a May Business After Hours! 

First Church Congregational, UCC is gearing up to celebrate their 300th birthday in 2031! Come and get a preview with fellow Chamber members on May 12. They will have homemade hors d’oeuvres, raffles of three beautiful themed baskets, and tours of the historic sanctuary as well as displays of historic material connected to the church.



Gathered in 1731, First Church Congregational, UCC has had a long history intertwined with the city. Their church and the Rochester city government started in a 40 X 30 sq. ft. meeting house on Rochester Hill, which at the time was the only church in town. They called their first minister, Amos Main (yes, the man of the statue downtown, who also served as mayor, lawyer and doctor!) and who had a mutually trusting relationship with local Indigenous people.

In 1780 a new church was built on Rochester Commons, and in 1843 it was moved to its present site next to the library where it still represents a center of public activity for Rochester. First Church has been affiliated with United Church of Christ (UCC) since 1961. Here, they believe God’s love is for everyone, and have made that known since 2002 when in the denomination, they declared ourselves Open and Affirming. That is their way of letting all, including those who identify as LGBTQIA+ know they are safe and welcome, and are offered all the sacraments. Their current transitional pastor is the Reverend Donna Muise.

You may know them from their many yard sales, book sales, holiday fairs, and pancake breakfasts held year-round. They are proud of their very busy food pantry and clothing closet that supports many in our community, as well as hosting and offering meeting space to many groups and nonprofits in the area. 

Parking will be available in the church lot on Liberty Street or the new municipal lot directly in back of the church. Event entrance can be found through Door 2 (“Elevator Entrance”).