The First Congregational Church of Terre Haute, Indiana, was organized December 30, 1834, by Rev. M.A. Jewett, with a roll of eleven members.  Terre Haute at that time was but a small village, and only two other churches had yet been gathered-- one Methodist and one Presbyterian. 

 

The little church grew with the town, and in 1842 experienced a great revival during a special effort in which Rev. H.W. Beecher pariticpated.  The church was from the beginning a power in the community, attracting many of the leading families.  The small band of Christians met at first for worship in the Court House, but soon bought the lot on the south-east corner of Sixth and Cherry streets and erected a church which was dedicated July 2, 1837.  In the spring of 1853 a calamity, as it seemed, befell it in the destruction of the house of worship by a tornado.  However, the seeming disaster proved a blessing in that in 1857 a larger and handsomer edifice was erected at a cost of about $20,000.

 

The career of this church could hardly be otherwise than prosperous with such a founder as Mr. Jewett, for he was an eloquent preacher and noted for his urbanity and dignity.  In 1860, after a pastorate of twenty-five years, Dr. Jewett resigned, and was succeeded by the Rev. Lyman Abbott.

 

From the dedicaton program of the current church building, June 1903.