Our Story

The First Congregational Church of Dodge Center actually had its beginnings in the pioneer settlement of Wasioja, one of a number of congregations organized by a pioneering Congregational minister named Rev. Charles Shedd.  The Congregational Church of Mantorville is another founded by the man sometimes known as “Father” Shedd.

The first meetings leading to formation of the First Congregational Church were held just 11 days after Minnesota became a state.  Services were first held in private dwellings, then in the old Wasioja schoolhouse, then in the Seminary (fascinating place – go take a look – on the edge of Wasioja), and in the Free Will Baptist Church. The “boom” in Wasioja was checked by the Civil War and really crushed by the loss of the railroad.  In 1875 the congregation voted to move to Dodge Center.  It had no house of worship of its own until 1879 and the historic building in which we now worship was dedicated in 1903. 

We are part of a rich variety of traditions and gifts that makes the First Congregational Church unique.  We feel a call to be a peace and justice church and realize the challenge to be a growing, forward looking church, nourished by the Scripture and continuing to grow spiritually, desiring to possess and embody Christ’s Spirit and to walk faithfully in his ways.

The First Congregational Church governs itself democratically.  We are responsible for our own affairs, including how much money is raised, how it is spent, and how social issues are addressed.  We are a united and uniting church, believing that cooperation and ecumenical work are the will of  Christ when he prayed (in John 17) “….that they may all be one.”