Our congregation began on February 20, 1881. Eight pioneer souls met with Reverend Cushing Eels above a rather noisy saloon. These charter members of the Congregational Church built and paid for a new facility within a year. Among other gifts, Reverend Eels donated the bell, which is mounted outside the church today.

In the spirit of ecumenism, the Congregational and Methodist Churches formed the Federated Church of Cheney in 1928. This joint effort continued for thirty-three years. Upon the dissolution of the federation in 1961, the Congregational Church voted to join the United Church of Christ. This new denomination had been born in 1957, the result of a merger of the Congregational Churches, a portion of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the German Evangelical and Reformed Church.

Since the old Congregational building soon needed replacing, land was purchased at our present site. Members erected the Christian Education building in 1971, worshiping in the large downstairs room. In the summer of 1972, members began building what is now the Fellowship Hall, celebrating the first service of worship there on Easter, 1973.

Ground was broken for the sanctuary in August, 1983, and work was completed by the following June. The stained glass windows in the Narthex were taken from the old building and lovingly installed in the new. Today we enjoy a fine and complete facility.

This physical description of the church only hints at the real story of the congregation. Many members who helped build the various stages of the current facility are still active in the congregation today. Through all the changes, one can see a responsive spirit -- a willingness to explore, to work and to grow. We are not a creed-driven church requiring doctrinal authority. We are more of a connection-driven church, emphasizing relationship. We tend to focus on Christ's mission as that of creating loving relationships among people and with God.

The labors of our members and friends of the last 125+ years provide us with a rich heritage. We strive to honor that heritage with gratitude and service, not just to a building or a place, but to the mission of Christ.