The Early Years

~ This church was founded in 1886, as the First Congregational Church of Pullman on the corner of Paradise and High Streets in Pullman.

~The Washington Territory became a state in 1889, and a fire swept through the village of Pullman destroying the church building.  It was rebuilt and served Pullman and the surrounding area for the next 25 years.

~ In 1913, the local Baptist Church, joined with the Congregational Church, and the union became known as the Federated Church.

~ In 1917-18, the church was moved from Paradise Street and High Street to College Hill at Campus and Opal Streets to be closer to the student population.

~ In 1938 the Baptists withdrew, and the name Community Congregational Church of Pullman was adopted.

The Second Half of Our History

~ The church saw active growth and participation in congregational life and ministry.  Members assisted refugees with settling in Pullman.  The Women’s Fellowship organized a Thrift Shop to offer recycled goods at low prices to the community.  

~ In 1954, a new sanctuary, the Fellowship Hall, and kitchen were added to the existing building.  Brewster Hall, the original sanctuary, became nearby socializing space.  It was named after Carl Brewster, who was an active member and teacher of youth in the church. Also of note is the Julius Room located behind the current sanctuary, which was named for one of our ministers, David Julius.

~ During the 1960s, the church voted to become part of the national denomination United Church of Christ.  The United Church of Christ’s call to support social justice was embraced. The CCUCC Social Action Committee was particularly active in supporting the needs of migrant workers in Washington state. 

~ In the early 1990s, the church voted to become a “just peace” church.

~ In 1993, we voted to support LGBTQ+ individuals by becoming “open and affirming.” Membership, leadership, and weddings for LGBTQ+ people are welcomed by the church.  We also support Planned Parenthood’s local clinic.  

~ From the 1970s through the 1990s, CCUCC helped Vietnamese and Afghani refugee families settle in the area. 

The Recent Years

~ As the church grew, it was remodeled in 2000 to accommodate classrooms, The Thrift Shop and a new Narthex.  The music program, handbells, youth groups and the Learning Community all thrived.  

~ In 2001, a scholarship program was started by a Peace Corps volunteer who grew up in the church.  The money enables high school students in rural Nicaragua to pay for education in schools and colleges far from their villages.  Contributions from church members continue to be gifted through the Asia Foundation.

~ In 2020, new technology was installed to allow virtual as well as in-person services.  The Covid-19 virus caused safety protocols to be implemented, and currently, all who enter must be vaccinated and wear a mask.

~ In 2021, a new store called Cooper’s Resale Shop, moved into the space that had been occupied by The Thrift Shop.  Profits from this store support veterinary care for pets whose owners cannot afford it.

Throughout the last 136 years, CCUCC has endeavored to impact the Palouse and the world beyond while exploring and developing faith in our lives.