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University Congregational Church held its first informal meeting in April of 1983, and officially organized soon thereafter. This is a covenant church in which the congregation vows, in the love of truth, and in the name and spirit of Jesus Christ, (to) join with one another to worship and to live so that peace, justice and brotherhood may prevail in the world. University Congregational Church has no national affiliation.
The church’s name stems from the fact that the first pastor also was a professor at Wichita State University as were a number of its charter members. Wichita State University has a Congregational heritage, with its first four presidents being Congregational pastors. It is the largest university in the nation stemming from Congregational roots.
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Church membership consists of 341 households, which translates to 607 individuals. This represents a professionally and philosophically diverse membership. The church keeps membership records current, so there is no inflation in these numbers. The church holds one Sunday worship service, with attendance averaging 300.
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From 1983 to 2001 the pastor of University Congregational Church was Robert R. Meyers. In addition to his seminary degree, Dr Meyers received a Ph.D. in English Literature and during his long campus tenure often taught University classes on the Bible. An Associate Minister was added in 1997.
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Gary Cox, a graduate of Phillips Seminary who also earned a D.Min. from the Chicago Theological Seminary became Senior Minister in 2001. Dr Cox died in August of 2006, at the age of 51.
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Dr. Meyers and Dr. Cox, accomplished speakers and writers, used scholarship to increase the congregation’s knowledge and appreciation of the Gospel message. The church embraces their inclusive philosophy, believing that a variety of approaches are welcome in considering the life and teachings of Jesus. This academic orientation must be underpinned by a strong personal faith. Our current minister Dr. Gary Blaine continues our philosophical tradition.
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The church is housed in a New England Colonial-style structure built in 1987 with a Fellowship Hall added in 1991. In March of 2010 the church opened a new office complex behind the Fellowship Hall wing.
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