About Us
At South Congregational Church, our faith is centered on God's unconditional love and the transformative teachings of Jesus, the Christ. We believe in a God who created and welcomes all people, calls us to love our neighbors, and invites us into a lifelong faith journey of growth and discovery. We mean it when we say, "no matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here."
Our Affiliation
We are a proud member of the United Church of Christ.
United Church of Christ
The United Church of Christ is a progressive, mainline Protestant denomination in the United States, formed in 1957 through the merger of the Congregational Christian Churches and the Evangelical and Reformed Church, known for its commitment to social justice, inclusivity, and local church autonomy.
We trace our roots to the pilgrims and other early American Christian traditions, but our thinking is modern and responsive to our times.
Our Beliefs
We are called by God, the creator of all, to be an open, inclusive, affirming, social & ecological justice-seeking, accessible community of faith. We recognize that this calling involves all aspects of our gathered life, including worship, education, fellowship, buildings, and service, so that all of us can proclaim God’s word. We believe that each of us is gifted and loved by God and God extends to us mercy and grace! As children of God, we are called to extend that same mercy and grace to others.
This motto of the United Church of Christ reflects the spirit of unity on which it is based, and points toward future efforts to heal the divisions in the body of Christ. We are a uniting church as well as a united church.
The unity that we seek requires neither an uncritical acceptance of any point of view, nor rigid formulation of doctrine. It does require mutual understanding and agreement as to which aspects of the Christian faith and life are essential.
It is a gift of God. But expressions of that unity are as diverse as there are individuals. The common thread that runs through all is love.
Because faith can be expressed in many different ways, the United Church of Christ has no formula that is a test of faith. Rather, it celebrates the testimonies of individuals and communities and their experiences of the Holy in their lives. While we are not a doctrinal church, we gather around the UCC Statement of Faith as our shared testimony.
This affirmation, by one of the founders of the Congregational tradition, assumes the primacy of the Bible as a source for understanding the Good News and as a foundation for all statements of faith. It recognizes that the Bible, though written in specific historical times and places, still speaks to us in our present condition. It declares that the study of the scriptures is not limited by past interpretations, but it is pursued with the expectation of new insights and God’s help for living today. Each generation has the privilege and responsibility of interpretation for their own times.
All members of the United Church of Christ are called to minister to others and to participate as equals in the common worship of God, each with direct access to the mercies of God through personal prayer and devotion.
Recognition is given to those among us who have received special training in pastoral, priestly, educational and administrative functions, but these persons are regarded as servants—rather than as persons in authority. Their task is to guide, to instruct, to enable the ministry of all Christians rather than to do the work of ministry for us.
As individual members of the Body of Christ, we are free to believe and act in accordance with our perception of God’s will for our lives. But we are called to live in a loving, covenantal relationship with one another—gathering as communities of faith and congregations of believers.
Each congregation or local church is free to act in accordance with the collective decision of its members, guided by the working of the Spirit in the light of the scriptures. But it also is called to live in a covenantal relationship with other congregations for the sharing of insights and for cooperative action under the authority of Christ. Likewise, associations of churches, conferences, the General Synod and the churchwide “covenanted ministries” of the United Church of Christ are free to act in their particular spheres of responsibility. Yet all are constrained by love to live in a covenantal relationship with one another and with the local churches in order to make manifest the unity of the body of Christ and thus to carry out God’s mission in the world more effectively.
The members, congregations, associations, conferences, General Synod, and covenanted ministries are free in relation to the world. We affirm that the authority of God as revealed in Jesus Christ and interpreted with the aid of the Holy Spirit stands above and judges all human culture, institutions, and laws. But we recognize our calling both as individuals and as the church to live in the world:
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To proclaim in word and action the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
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To work for reconciliation and the unity of the broken Body of Christ.
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To seek justice and liberation for all.
This is the challenge of the United Church of Christ.
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Racial Justice Seeking Church
We are a Racial Justice Seeking congregation, covenanting together as learners, interrupters, and allies in the ongoing work of challenging racism in all its manifestations; for we believe that all people, of every race and color, are made in God's image and are loved by God.
Commitment to Accessibility
We are called by God, the creator of all, to be an open, inclusive, affirming and accessible community of faith. We recognize that this calling involves all aspects of our gathered life, including buildings, worship, education, fellowship and service, so that all of us can proclaim God’s word.
Founded 1837
South Church was founded in 1837 by members of the First Congregational Society seeking a new worship space in Concord’s growing south end. Its early years were shaped by economic hardship, debates over slavery, and strong lay leadership—especially from women. After the original building burned in 1859, a new, larger church was built in 1860, featuring notable architecture and Tiffany stained‑glass windows.
A Growing Church
Over the decades, the church expanded its facilities, renovated its sanctuary, and celebrated major anniversaries with community events. A succession of pastors guided the congregation through growth, challenges, and social change, supported by interim and associate ministers.
Social Justice Work
South Church has long been active in social justice, supporting abolition, civil rights, local missions, and community programs. It has hosted major civic and musical events, including Thanksgiving services and performances of Messiah. Music, art, and symbolic worship elements have remained central to its identity.
Women at South Church
Women played a crucial role from the beginning—founding charitable groups, leading ministries, and eventually serving as trustees, board chairs, and deacons.
Joining the UCC
In 1961, the congregation voted to join the United Church of Christ, embracing ecumenism and broader mission work. After membership decline in the late 20th century, the church experienced renewal in the 1980s through revitalized outreach, youth programs, and financial stewardship.
Today
Today, South Church continues its long tradition of community engagement, inclusivity, and spiritual growth.
Our History
South Congregational Church has a rich and deep history rooted in Concord, NH.