135 Years Of Worship And Praise

Established, destroyed by fire, relocated and then rebuilt.  The Congregational Church in Suisun remains one of the city’s oldest landmarks with this year marking its 135^th anniversary.

According to J.P. Munro-Fraser’s book, History of Solano County…and histories of its cities…towns…etc…, it all began with a discussion on Oct. 30, 1876 between E.P. Hilborn and J.W. Warren “for the purpose of organizing a congregation to worship under the Congregational form of religion.”

"Appropriate inaugural services" were held on Dec. 22, 1876, as indicated in Fraser’s book and services officiated by Rev. J.W. Brier began. Many of the services were held at the original establishment on Morgan Street, which unfortunately was destroyed by fire. An interesting fact about the Morgan Street church was its “admirable Sunday School,” which had sixty students in attendance, according to Fraser. The school’s first superintendent was C.W. Childs.

On Feb. 23, 1919, the Congregational Church moved to its present location on 701 Suisun St., and what once was known as the Congregational Church is now the .

Resembling a Spanish-style building with a bell tower and stained glass windows, the church stands out in the Old Town Suisun Neighborhood. The building has faced many constructive issues; termite infestation required much of the flooring to be replaced, wheelchair accessible ramps were installed on the interior and exterior of the church and one of the restrooms was made handicap accessible, according to Church Moderator Elaine Clark. There are over 15 pews inside the church of which only two are original pews from the 1919 establishment; the rest were donated by  St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, she said. Clark’s current project is to apply for a grant so that the carpet can be replaced.

Clark has been active with this church for approximately 10 years and explained that members of the church are extremely active in the community. Clark donates perishable food items, diapers, hair dye, baby wipes and other goods, which are free for anyone who is in need of these products. Every week, Clark and church members fill up paper bags with food and deliver them to the homeless and the “working poor,” she said. On occasion, the church is also the meeting place for Alcohol Anonymous meetings.

Clark has heard many stories about her beloved church and was once told that present location was chosen because the wives of railroad workers wanted a place of worship. Regardless of history or location, Clark adores her palace of praise and embraces the rich history of the church, she said.

 “This church has been around for a very long time and we love everything about this church,” Clark said. “This building is a neighborhood landmark and is definitely important to the community. This is a lovely building with a great spirit.”