About us

In 1957 our congregation voted to join the newly formed United Church of Christ (UCC). The UCC brought together congregations from the Congregational Christian Churches and Evangelical and Reformed Churches. In 1963, our church voted to be an Open Congregation, specifically welcoming worshippers of all races. In response to a different civil rights issue, in 2014 we voted to be an Open and Affirming congregation, declaring a welcome to all sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions.

Church attendance and participation in congregational activities are not as central to our lives as they were in the middle of the 20th century. First Congregational United Church of Christ in Rhinelander remains committed to our tradition of loving God, loving all people, and serving our local and global communities as we seek to follow the teachings of Jesus.

The first regular worship service conducted in the little settlement of Rhinelander took place in 1883, nine years before the city of approximately 2,000 was formally incorporated. Deacon Tibbetts came from Antigo to help start the congregation of seven women and one man. In 1887, Rev. Andridge became the first resident minister.

The first church building in Rhinelander was built by this congregation in 1885, and was located at the triangle between Alban, Anderson, and Frederick Streets. This structure was well built, and served two other congregations as a temporary meeting place, later housed the first electric light plant in Rhinelander and then become a lumber warehouse for many years. Our current church building on East Larch Street was built in 1962.

The women of First Congregational Church of Rhinelander have been instrumental in the development of the congregation and in contributions to the community. The Ladies Aid Society was organized in 1886. Through community oriented events and sales, they raised money for missionaries, building remodeling, contributions to Northland College and community service. This group became Women’s Fellowship.