Big Woods Congregational Church was organized 44 days before Iowa became a state. Six persons and the Reverend Alfred Wright met at his residence for the first time on Nov. 14th, 1846. Services were then moved to a wooden school house and remained there approximately 14 months. In 1848 church services were moved to the new courthouse.
In 1854 the name of the church was changed from the Big Woods Congregational Church to the Congregational Church of Christ.
In 1861 a new brick church building was erected at the corner of Main and Booth Street with the first services held Dec. 29 1861.
Construction of our current church building began in 1903 and was completed with the dedication service held Oct. 2, 1904. Below is a picture of our church building as it stands today.
107 East 1st Street - Corner of 1st & Booth Street Anamosa, IA 52205 (319) 462-3796 email: fcucc@q.com
Our church celebrated its Sesquicentennial in the spring of 1996 -- What a 150th Birthday Party!! Chimes were added to our bell tower to help commemorate the event & many activities took place throughout the year.
Below are some pictures from the year long celebration:
A race for the graceful ... put on your running shoes and a great big smile!
Fun and games along with friendly competition!
He aint heavy, he's my brother. And well....if he is heavy, then I'll be ready!!
Our year-long 150th anniversary celebration included many wonderful events! Not only fun & games as shown above, but we also published the "Congo Chronicles" Newspaper with articles and information about our church's outreach and activities.
We produced a prayer booklet with views and writings from members of the congregation and put on a variety show with the entire community invited. A copy of our prayer booklet and newspaper were enclosed in a time capsule along with other items, for a future generation to find.
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With tradition steeped in outreach --this exerpt from the "Congo Chronicles" really sums up the way it was, and still is at First Church:
SERVANTS' ENTRANCE
At the front doors of First Church you will see a sign that says "Servants' Entrance". It may startle you the first time you see it, but if you are like many others that pass through those doors, it will make you think. It is a wonderful reminder that we are the servants of God. We gather here to find out his purposes for us, or assignments if you will. The more we hear of his word, the more we know that He wants us to care for each other. He wants us to reach out to all of his children and help and support them.
So it is, to be born into the family of God. There is much work to be done, but we know it is important work. It feels good to work hard. That is why First Church constantly looks for ways to reach out. We want to be of service - real service to the children of God. (Giny Beck 1996)
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"The Little Church in Cass" - Our Sister Church
When 9 families from Cass Township opened the doors of the Cass Congregational Church in June 1856, they probably never dreamed it would still be standing more than 150 years later! While the church outgrew this original structure, we commemorate its roots by having a worship a service at Cass Church each year in June, followed by a potluck.
A side view of the Cass Church proudly lined with its Avenue of Flags. The The church, located 5 miles north of Anamosa on County Highway X-31, has not had regular worship services since the 1950's, but can be used for weddings and baptisms.
The cemetary located on the grounds of Cass Church - a beautiful and tranquil setting, with a breathtaking view of the surrounding countryside.
A race for the graceful ... put on your running shoes and a great big smile!
Fun and games along with friendly competition! 
He aint heavy, he's my brother. And well....if he is heavy, then I'll be ready!!
When 9 families from Cass Township opened the doors of the Cass Congregational Church in June 1856, they probably never dreamed it would still be standing more than 150 years later! While the church outgrew this original structure, we commemorate its roots by having a worship a service at Cass Church each year in June, followed by a potluck. 
A side view of the Cass Church proudly lined with its Avenue of Flags. The The church, located 5 miles north of Anamosa on County Highway X-31, has not had regular worship services since the 1950's, but can be used for weddings and baptisms. 
The cemetary located on the grounds of Cass Church - a beautiful and tranquil setting, with a breathtaking view of the surrounding countryside. 
