History of the Rockford Congregational Church

The Congregational Church was organized in Grand Rapids onFebruary 17, 1847 in the home of Dr. and Mrs. C. Blakely which stood wherethe Prescott home now stands. The Blakeleys came from New England and hadplanned to settled in Grand Rapids but the need of a doctor in Laphamvillecaused the family to make their home in this village. The little communityhad no church but after a conference with Rev. James Ballard, pioneer Congregationalmissionary, special services were held after which the articles of thechurch covenant were drawn up and signed by fifteen members including Dr.and Mrs. Blakely, Mr. and Mrs. Stoddard and Mrs. Sears. The names of theother signers are unknown. There was no regular pastor of the church for several years. Rev. Ballardwas a circuit rider and would preach to the congregation when he made hisrounds. The first Sunday school and "select" school was organized by thegroup and met at the Blakely home. On some occasions a minister known as"Father Barker" would preach. The regular pastor was Rev. J. H. Hard who came in 1854. Records showthat in 1860 there were 26 members as Rev. I. Barker became pastor. Duringthe Civil War period no pastor seems to have supplied the church, laymenand occasional clergy conducting the services. Rev. J. S. Kidder was pastorfollowing the war. On May 1, 1871 the Rev. W. M. Irons became pastor of the church whichnow numbered 56 members. The desire for a church was great and Rev. Irons,staff in hand so we are told, walked over the countryside raising moneywith which to build the church. Contributions of money, lumber, farm produce,shingles, labor, etc. were accepted. The building was erected on the cornernext to the sidewalk where it now stands on the corner of Bridge and FremontStreets. It was dedicated on Christmas day 1875. Later a basement was excavated and the church was moved back to itspresent position. In 1879 a bell was placed in the church steeple and ayear later the church bought a library of books and founded the first publiclibrary of the village. In 1880 the church parsonage was built and a ChristianEndeavor Society organized, which was among the first in the State. Rev.Jesse Borton was the pastor. The only minister to hold two pastorates in the church was Rev. C. H.Finister; the first from 1891 to 1903 and the second from 1907-20, thetwo longest pastorates in the church's history. Between his pastoratesRev. A. Wall, Rev. Seever, Martin and Hancock served the parish. The churchauditorium was re-carpeted during the first pastorate of Rev. Finisterand the church became entirely self-supporting. Reverend Stephen J. Paullwas pastor from 1924-34. During his ministry the church grew in membershipand strength. The present pastor, Rev. Paul Mallory, came in January 1935. During the past four years the membership of the church has nearly doubled,now numbering 225 members. Pews were installed in the auditorium and thechurch interior was completely redecorated this spring. In 1935 the DortheaKrause Memorial Organ was purchased. The 90th anniversary was observedin 1937 with appropriate ceremonies. It is with faith and confidence thatthe "Little White Church in the Valley" looks ahead to the second centuryof progress in Rockford's history.