Join us in worship and community service at our church.
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Welcome to Our Church
Our Mission
At First Congregational United Church of Christ, our mission is to serve the community and spread the love of Jesus Christ. We believe in fostering a welcoming environment for everyone, where faith and fellowship thrive.
Our History
First Congregational United Church of Christ(FCUCC) was founded in 1920. Its first establishment was on Beamon Street here in Durham, NC. Services were held there for forty years under the leadership of several ministers.
In the late sixties, the congregation was forced to leave that location due to an aging and unsafe building structure. Church services were held at T. A. Grady and W. D. Hill Recreation Centers. At that time, several members held weekly and other church business meetings in their homes.
Through prayer, faith, church programs, selling dinners, and dedication of our ancestors and church family members, God blessed us to rebuild First Congregational United Church of Christ in our current location in 1977, under the leadership of the late Reverend Edward Bell. Reverend Bell and First Lady Juanita Bell were dedicated to the church for over thirty years. Reverend Bell retired as Pastor in 2003. This faithful servant transitioned from labor to reward three years later on March 19, 2006. First Lady Bell preceded him in death on November 27, 2005.
Evangelist Ruth Daye became the Interim Minister, rendering service on Sundays and participating in all church programs and activities. She was instrumental in reorganizing Bible study on Wednesday nights. She stood in the gap for a year until we called a Pastor. In 2005, reverend Kelvin L. Belle Sr. was called as Pastor of First Congregational UCC. His accomplishments included several curriculums, auxiliaries, and other functions.
In 2019, we were blessed with our current Pastor, Reverend Linda M. Perry. Pastor Perry is spirit filled and loves God as well as for God’s people. She is small in stature but brings the word with power. Her wisdom is superlative. She meets the challenge of change with vitality and innovation. Pastor Perry has been instrumental in developing Godly leadership, an increase in our church membership as well as an increase in our finance. Under her leadership, FCUCC completed the roof project, purchased new church pews, and purchased a church van. During her tenure the Constitutions and Bylaws were revised and implemented, youth Bible study was reestablished and Outreach Ministry for the community was developed. Under Reverend Perry’s guidance FCUCC participated in various other activities, such as leadership workshops, fireside chats and visits to judgement house, just to name a few. We the church body follow Pastor Perry as she follows Christ. And we know the best is yet to come. together to worship, learn, and grow in their faith.
Our Community
We are a diverse and welcoming community of believers who come from all walks of life. Whether you are young or old, single or married, or have a different background, we invite you to join us in worship and fellowship.
Our Outreach
At First Congregational United Church of Christ , we believe in taking our faith beyond the walls of our church and into the world. We are involved in a variety of local and global outreach programs, from feeding the hungry to supporting missionaries around the world.
Join Us
Our Projects here at First Congregational United Church of Christ
How You Can Help: Your financial gifts sponsor registration fees, study materials, Bibles, and travel costs for our youth.
Come meet our pastor
Our Pastor
Pastor, Rev. Linda Perry is our vibrant leader that humbles herself to do the will of God in ministry. She has the warm and kind spirit that is inviting for everyone. She greets a stranger as a person she has known for years. Pastor Perry teaches and preaches the life of a souled out christian and continues to dedicate her life to uphold the Lord's guidance on the tedious journey. Come meet OUR PASTOR!
Rev. Perry is native of North Carolina, born and raised in Franklinton,NC. She is the daughter of the late Deacon Ollie Perry and Deaconess Mary Perry. She has a beautiful daughter Bryanna that is truly a gift from God.
After graduating from Franklinton High School, Rev. Perry continued her education at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro where she majored in Nursing. Although Rev. Perry is a nurse by trade, she enlisted in the Army of the Lord at an early age and has been working ever since.
Rev. Perry received much of her training at her home church, Pope’s Chapel United Church of Christ in Franklinton. She preached her initial sermon in October 2008 and enrolled in the Pastoral Leadership Program in 2009. She completed her studies in 2012 and was ordained inSeptember of that same year. Rev. Perry is currently the Pastor of First Congregational United Church of Christ in Durham NC.
To quote Rev. Perry: “I have been through some tough times in prior years, but it was during these times that God chose to call me into the ministry.
This mission that I have embarked upon is not about me, but is about the man, Jesus Christ, who sent me. I am grateful that God saw fit to use me as a vessel to help spread His word. It is my desire to let my light shine before men and women, that they may see my good work and therefore glorify the Father that is in Heaven.”
Support Our Mission at First Congregational Church
Your generous tithing, offerings and donations help us serve the Durham community and spread the message of Jesus Christ. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those around us. Thank you for your support and commitment to our mission.