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What we know today as First Church of North Miami Congregational, United Church of Christ has a long and colorful history. In 1907 the City of North Miami was known as Arch Creek, named for the natural coral rock bridge that spanned the creek. During the growing season nearly 200 people would come from the north to grow and sell tomatoes, returning north in the fall. Many lived in tents or in the 18 homes clustered around the railroad depot. A school had been built where William Jennings Bryan
School now sits where 12 children were enrolled.
Since the coral rock road flooded every time it rained, it was difficult to get to the nearest church which was in Little River. Beside the railroad, the only transportation was by mule or horseback. The settlers decided that a church was needed in the area.
On January 12, 1912, Rev. Neil McQuarrie came from Key West by small boat to consider starting a new church, and the Union Congregational Church of Arch Creek was formed. By-laws were adopted; Deacons, Trustees, a Treasurer, Sunday School Superintendent and Assistant Organist were named.
A small church was built on the one and one half acres donated by Flagler Railroad with a grant of $500 from the Congregational Church Building Society. In 1925; the plans for a new sanctuary at 131 St and NE 7th Avenue came to a halt as the hurricane of 1926 caused great damage to the existing church and parsonage. So many members sustained serious damage to their homes that plans for a new sanctuary were postponed. The 1929 stock market crash and Depression further delayed construction.
In March of 1952 land was purchased at the present site and construction of a new church building began and was completed and dedicated in September of 1955.
A division of the congregation in 1958 between the Fundamentalist, Conservatives and Liberals caused a split, and 30% of the Conservative members and 40% of the budget left to start a church in Biscayne Park. Without the help of the Florida .Conference, the church would not have survived. Under the leadership of Dr. George Pullman and his wife, the congregation made great strides towards recovery. .
In September of 1961, Rev. Jack Smith accepted the call to the pastorate, and in 1961 the name of the church was once again changed, becoming First Church of North Miami, Congregational (United Church of Christ). (The name of the town had been changed to North Miami in
1932.) Two years later, the educational wing, now known as the Lou Henshaw Memorial, was built, and the church heated and air-conditioned.
Today, First Church of North Miami is a diverse congregation welcoming, loving and accepting people of all backgrounds, colors, lifestyles and walks of life. As the sign in front of our building states:
“We welcome our Black Brothers and Sisters, White Brothers and Sisters, Latin Brothers and Sisters, Gay Brothers and Sisters, Addicted Brothers and Sisters, old Brothers and Sisters, young Brothers and Sisters, .Jewish Brothers and Sisters, and Muslim Brothers and Sisters. No matter who you are, you are welcomed here and accepted here.
One of the things that distinguishes First Church of North Miami from other churches in the area is the activism and dedication that our members have to the church and to the community. Most of our members are active in one or more of our ministries, committees or special projects. We truly believe in working to make our corner of God’s Vineyard a beautiful place to live and raise our families. The other thing that makes our congregation so special is the close, familial relationship our members have. Because we are a small congregation, everyone knows everyone. We are always looking out for one another like a family. After three weeks of coming to First Church of North Miami, most of the members will know you name.
We would love to make you a part of our congregational family. Please come again.
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