History

The congregation was first gathered in 1881. Early years were spent stabilizing the congregation via clergy leadership, facilities, and budget. As Montclair grew and prospered, so did Union. Always active in the community, Union was responsible for or related to the formation of Boy Scout Troop 13, the Woman's Club of Upper Montclair, the Montclair Operetta Society, the Montclair Engineers, and the Rose Society, early in the last century and more recently, the Montclair Counseling Center begun by William Lutz, then an associate minister at Union, now retired but continuing his membership.

Our congregation is known around the world. Frank Laubach, the originator of the each-one-teach-one literacy program was ordained at Union. Our fifth minister, Howard Bliss, left Union to be the president of American University in Beirut. More recently, Betty Bailey, our associate until the early 90's followed her retirement with a three-year ministry in the Middle East.

From the merger of the Congregational-Christian Church and the Evangelical and Reformed Church to form the United Church of Christ in 1957 until the mid 1980's, the denomination's offices were in New York and Union served as the home church for many officers and continues to be known throughout the denomination as a vital church. Always a leader in theological education, we've served as a field ed site for dozens of student ministers, ordained five women in quick succession during the late 70's and 80's and have students in our care as they move toward ordination.

As our name implies, the founders of the congregation hoped to serve the spiritual needs of everyone. As our community has become more pluralistic, we've recognized the richness of diversity and value of mutual respect and are active in the interfaith community. Our congregation draws individuals who are on lifelong spiritual journeys and families with blended religious traditions.

With our sister congregation, First Congregational United Church of Christ, we received strength from Watchung Congregational Church which disbanded following a devastating fire in the 70's. We enjoy our relationship with First Cong which is both collegial and congenial.

Markers along the way of the current generation at Union include:

• the formation of the Weekday Nursery School in 1968
• the fire of 1975 that destroyed the interior of the Sanctuary Building but bonded the congregation as it rebuilt
• the consensus to become an Open and Affirming Congregation as the century turned
• the response to the tragedy of 9/11
• and the refurbishing of the church and securing of limited parking.

The very best characteristic of our history is that it is always in the formative stages. As much as we treasure the past, we hope for the future, confident that we will continue to increase love of God and neighbor in this our time and place.

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