History:

That They May All be One John 17:21

Our Church was founded in 1886--two years before Escondido was incorporated and 36 years after California was admitted to the Union. We are one of the oldest congregations in the Southern California Conference of the United Church of Christ. During the past 117 years our church has grown from five members to our current 364 members today. We have relocated four times during the past century to keep pace with the church's steady growth, and to adjust to a changing world and community.

We moved into our present facility on a hilly 4-acre campus in July 1989. The new church was formally dedicated on October 8, 1989. We have a sanctuary that is graced with a beautiful stained glass window, that enhances the spirituality of the building.

Also in October 1989, the Dove's Nest Child Development Center, originally developed as a preschool ministry of the church, was opened to the public. In order to maintain fiscal prudence, in 2001 the operation of the Dove's Nest was contractually placed in the hands of the very competent Escondido Community Child Development Center staff. Though no longer administered by the church, the philosophy remains the same: offer the highest quality child care and enrichment programs in a loving, nurturing environment.

The church campus includes the Sanctuary, Administrative Offices, Dove's Nest and Sunday School classrooms, Fellowship Hall, Library, Plymouth House (a fully-equipped Youth Facility), choir room and kitchen.

Today, First Congregational Church is into its fourth century of service. The future will witness new programs in Christian Education, new experiences in worship, and outreach services to our community. We heartily welcome new members to become partners in our vision of extending faith and hope in our community. Our "History" is in the making at First Congregational Church of Escondido.