Our church was founded in 1862 amid strong community sentiments regarding abolition and temperance. From the very earliest statement of purpose we have been a church of community conscience. Historically, the members of the First Congregational Church of Manistee have made notable contributions to the community, and continue to do so today.

We are a church of dignity and grace. Our building reflects the people who worship within. It is strong, yet graceful. It is a church with a strong heritage. Although born as a lumber baron’s cathedral, it did not die when the White Pine was gone. It has lived because it was not built to be a show-piece for the wealthy. It was built because those settlers saw how abundant and beautiful their lives could be. The structure is their tribute to God’s glory. The restoration of the church means nothing less. It is not simply a restoration of the magnificence of the building, it is a restoration of the vision of the members. The membership has been inspired by God’s glory.

If you would like to lend a hand in caring for our historic building, click here to learn more about our current fundraising campaign.  Also, the Manistee County Community Foundation has a fund earmarked for the care of our building, and there are additional tax advantages to making contributions to this fund.  Click here to learn more about the Nelson First Congregational United Church of Christ Fund.