What is now Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ began as a Methodist congregation in 1846, in a building on the corner of Main and Chapel streets in Dodgeville, Wisconsin. The church shared the space with the school and the town hall. In 1897, one hundred forty dissenters split off from the Methodist church to become Congregationalists. These two groups continued to meet in the original church for a brief period.
From 1897 to 1908, the Congregational Church shared space with the Welsh Presbyterian Church, on Iowa and Clarence streets, while the current church building was under construction. On June 14, 1908, this Plymouth Church was formally dedicated. The Welsh Congregational church (35 members) joined Plymouth in 1917, and sometime later the Manx Laxey church also joined with Plymouth.
Plymouth Congregational joined with other Congregational, Christian, and Evangelical Reformed churches in the United Church of Christ in 1961. This ecumenical partnership within the United Church of Christ denomination has created a vibrant and spirit-filled support for all of its local churches. Click here for information on The United Church of Christ.
The Plymouth church constitution was last amended in January, 1988.
This document lays out the current policies and procedures of the church,
and the roles of officers, boards and the pastor. The constitution
may be altered or amended by a two-thirds vote at any congregational business
meeting, notice having been made by announcement at the regular morning
service on the previous Sunday.
Click for entire
CONSTITUTION
WHAT WE BELIEVE: As a part of the United Church of Christ, we share the following Statement of Faith:
We believe in you, O God, Eternal Spirit. God of our Savior Jesus Christ and our God, and to your deeds we testify:
You call the worlds into being, create persons in your own image, and set before each one the ways of life and death.
You seek in holy love to save all people from aimlessness and sin.
You judge people and nations by your righteous will declared through prophets and apostles.
In Jesus Christ, the man of Nazareth, our crucified and risen Savior, you have come to us and shared our common lot,
conquering sin and death and reconciling the world to yourself.
You bestow upon us your Holy Spirit, creating and renewing the church of Jesus Christ, binding in covenant faithful people of all ages, tongues and races.
You call us into your church to accept the cost and joy of discipleship, to be your servants in the service of others, to proclaim the gospel to all the world and resist the powers of evil, to share in Christ's baptism and eat at his table, to join him in his passion and victory.
You promise to all who trust you forgiveness of sins and fullness of grace, courage in the struggle for justice and peace, your presence in trial and rejoicing, and eternal life which has no end.
Blessing and honor, glory and power be unto you. Amen.