Archives - First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ

2025

2024

The more than 170-year history of First Congregational Church is a tapestry of captivating stories—from its abolitionist founders to proponents of the social gospel, to visionary builders of the “cathedral of grace” on East Broad Street, to present-day contributors in service of God’s work in the church and community. Many First Church members, including numerous seniors, have grown up here, fostering long-lasting relationships and accumulating innumerable experiences. Some parishioners may not have such a long history with First Church but have been actively involved for an extended period of time. And newcomers, drawn by the church’s mission, community service, and worship, add their contributions to the vibrant community each year.

Every member, regardless of background, holds unique stories and memories about First Church just waiting to be shared. First Stories seeks to make that possible. Sponsored by the Heritage Committee, these podcast-like interviews are hosted by journalist and church member Nancy Gilson Braverman and feature members of the First Church faith community who share their reflections, experiences, and hopes for the future.

Click on the links below to listen to First Church members tell their stories.

Hear the inaugural broadcast of First Stories, featuring an interview with long-time First Church member Jackie Dean. In this engaging conversation with interviewer Nancy Gilson Braverman, a fellow church member and journalist, Jackie discusses various aspects of her life and experiences, including:

Growing up in Mt Zion Congregational Church, Cleveland, and its parallels to First Church;
Meeting Martin Luther King, Jr;
How she came to First Church and what has kept her here;
The churchʻs senior ministers from the Rev. Dr. Chalmers Coe to present day;
Her nearly two decades of work with our confirmation classes;
Her views on some of the challenges that downtown churches face;
What makes her smile when she thinks about First Church.

The second issue of First Stories feature an interview with long-time First Church member Martha (Marty) Worth. In this engaging conversation with interviewer Nancy Gilson Braverman, a fellow church member and journalist, Marty discusses various aspects of her life and experiences, including:

Growing up in First Church, getting married here, and having her first child baptized from our font
How, in her day, children did not attend services in the sanctuary but had their own services in Gladden Chapel;
Moving away for forty years as she and huband Gerry lived in different parts of the country . . . and coming back to First Church in 2002;
How she served as a “church lady” in various churches during her life and became Program Manager here at First Church
The pastorates of Boynton Merrill, Chalmers Coe, and Tim Ahrens
Why she thinks First Church, as a downtown church, continues to thrive after 172 years
Her love of the churchʻs worship and music tradition in the context of its Gothic space
The importance of the churchʻs continued emphasis on social justice, with the Good Samaritan Fund as a perfect exemplar
A formula for success as First Church moves into its future

The Heritage Committee is pleased to present two interviews with the Rev. Dr. Timothy Ahrens, shared through First Stories, as he nears the conclusion of nearly 25 years of ministry at First Congregational Church.

In this first interview, hosted by journalist and First Church member Nancy Gilson Braverman, hear Dr. Ahrens reflect on

How First Church’s call specifically emphasized his role as a minister of social justice.
Some of the highlights and challenges of his tenure.
The challenges posed by the pandemic, especially the extended separation of members.
Tips for fostering longevity in a congregation (Tim compares First Church’s 172 years of existence to the average lifespan of most congregations).
The influence of Washington Gladden on both his ministry and the church.
How the beauty and majesty of our sanctuary, along with art and music, combine to create awe-inspiring worship experiences.

This is an interview you will not want to miss.

The Heritage Committee is pleased to present the second of two interviews with the Rev. Dr. Timothy Ahrens, shared through First Stories, as he nears the conclusion of nearly 25 years of ministry at First Congregational Church.

Join journalist and First Church member Nancy Gilson Braverman as she hosts a reflection by Dr. Ahrens on the rich history and beauty of our sanctuary, including:

How our sacred space fosters deeper connections with God, the clergy, and fellow worshippers.
The meticulous restoration of the one-million-piece Jeffrey stained-glass window above the Chancel.
The stories behind the Friendship and Gladden Windows in the East and West Transepts, and the Rose Window, now partially obscured by the Beckerath Organ.
The gift of 16th-century Belgian tapestries, donated by member Frederick Schumacher in the late 1930s.
The addition of the Clerestory and Aisle windows in the 1980s and their Biblical symbolism.
The restoration of the Kimball Organ, made possible by a bequest from Jean MacNevin.
The Veterans Memorial in the southwest corner of the nave, completed as part of Adam Wade’s Eagle Scout project.
Our newest stained-glass windows: the Music Window, honoring G. Dene Barnard, and the Social Justice Window.

We are honored to share this final interview with Tim and hope you find it both meaningful and enjoyable.

The Heritage Committee is pleased to present the next installment of First Stories, featuring an engaging interview with long-time First Church member Deborah Anderson. In this fascinating conversation, journalist and fellow church member Nancy Gilson Braverman speaks with Deb about her deep connections to First Church and her many contributions over the years.

Highlights of the interview include:

The unique path that brought Deb and her late husband, Mac, to Ohio and to First Church
Her key role in the design and installation of the clerestory, aisle, and narthex stained-glass windows
The surprising story behind the relocation of a previously installed window within the sanctuary
The origin and creation of the liturgical banners that adorn our church each Sunday
The theft of a beloved piece of art from the church
How Deb’s life journey shaped her as an artist

Because Deb references many works of art found throughout the church, you may enjoy visiting firstchurcharts.org. While listening to the conversation, choose the “Arts” tab and explore the “Stained-Glass” and “Textiles and Sculpture” sub-tabs throughout the conversation.

The fifth episode of the Heritage Committee’s First Stories series features an interview with long-time First Church member Tom Brownfield, who serves as the church’s Commissioned Minister for Social Justice. Hosted by noted journalist and fellow member Nancy Gilson Braverman, this conversation offers listeners a rare window into the life of First Church spanning the pastorates of Boynton Merrill (1943-1959), Chalmers Coe (1960-1983), Dale Rosenberger (1985-1992), Robert Tschannen-Moran (1993-1998), and Tim Ahrens (1999-2024)—and continuing into the present day.

Here are just a few of the insights Tom shares with Nancy in this engaging interview:
• How the church custodian helped six-year-old Thomas learn early lessons about social justice
• His years in Pilgrim Fellowship (Youth Group) and participation in “The Minister’s Study,” and how these experiences shaped him as a young man
• The important and liberating impact of exploring Jesus’ admonition, “Judge not, that ye be not judged”
• His lifelong commitment to social justice and the formative influence of Washington Gladden
• His reflections on First Congregational Church today—and his hopes for its future

We hope you enjoy listening to this latest contribution to the First Church Archives.

The sixth episode of the Heritage Committee’s First Stories series features an interview with long-time First Church members Rebecca (Becky) and Sheldon Taft. Hosted by noted journalist and fellow member Nancy Gilson Braverman, this conversation offers listeners a window into the life of First Church spanning the pastorates of Chalmers Coe (1960-1983), Dale Rosenberger (1985-1992), Robert Tschannen-Moran (1993-1998), and Tim Ahrens (1999-2024)—and continuing into the present day.

Here are just a few of the insights that Becky and Sheldon share with Nancy in this engaging interview:

They were introduced to First Church through the church’s Neighborhood Nursery.
Chalmers Coe visited their house to personally invite them to attend First Church.
Becky became very involved with the art committee and served on the committees that oversaw the 1970’s and 1980’s stained glass windows. Sheldon served on the Board of Trustees and several other committees.
Reflections on Matey Janata, First Church Member who coined Bethlehem on Broad Street, graduated from Methodist Theological School in Ohio (MTSO or Methesco), has an award at MTSO in her honor (https://www.mtso.edu/about-mtso/news-publications/mtso-news-archive/students-honored-at-closing-convocation-1/), and contributed to First Church, along with her husband, Rudy, in many positive ways.
Becky and Sheldon share their thoughts on the changes in our church’s membership over the years and how they believe that the church is more active than ever today in regards to its outreach and care within our church, even as financial support within our church has continued to decline from its peak during the Gladden era through the 1970’s.
They share their admiration of our Interim Senior Pastor, Rev. Becky David, and their thoughts on the future of our church.

We hope you enjoy listening to this latest contribution to the First Church Archives.