About Us

Learn more about Wydown United Church, our history and community.

We are a come-as-you-are church for believers and nonbelievers alike looking for connection. Learn more about our mission and vision!

To Know God’s Word, Do God’s Work, Live God’s Love.

To be a beacon of faith, compassion, and justice for St. Louis, the wider community, and beyond.

Our Open & Affirming Covenant, Revised and Reaffirmed December 16, 2018:

“I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.”

-John 13:34

We confess that as individuals and as a congregation we have harmed LGBTQ+ people. We have inherited and perpetuated a culture that has done violence to those outside sexual and gender norms. We have chosen comfort over curiosity and surrendered God’s expectation of justice. As a church, we started on this journey two decades ago and we desire ongoing reconciliation.

We value and welcome a diverse congregation. Believing, as Genesis teaches, that each of us is created in God’s image, we welcome all of God’s creation into the ministries and sacraments of this church as we seek to grow together in a safe and nurturing community of faith.

We reaffirm our original open and affirming commitment of 2005 by:

  • Challenging theologies, beliefs, and doctrines that oppress or exclude anyone of any sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression,
  • Encouraging all people to participate fully in our community of faith,
  • Designing church systems and structures as safe places that include every person in the full life of the church, and
  • Boldly promoting justice and inclusion in the community.

We walk with each other on our personal journeys, encouraging authentic lives and celebrating the diversity and beauty of God’s creation. We continue to learn and deepen relationships, so we can fully participate in God’s care and concern for our LGBTQ+ members, friends, and families, and better promote inclusive practices. We will annually affirm and extend our covenant as we journey together and follow faithfully where the Spirit leads us.

The United Church of Christ came into being in 1957 with the union of two Protestant denominations: the Evangelical and Reformed Church and the Congregational Christian Churches. First Congregational Church of St. Louis was founded as an abolitionist church in 1852 under the leadership of Dr. Truman Marcellus Post. In 1969 the congregation voted to officially affiliate with the United Church of Christ (UCC). The UCC is a church of many “firsts.” We took early stands against slavery and were the first denomination to ordain an African American, a woman, and an openly gay minister. The UCC has taken bold stances for civil rights and marriage equality. Today, the UCC extends an extravagant welcome to all of God’s people.

We are a group of dedicated individuals passionate about serving God.

The United Church of Christ (UCC) is a distinct and diverse community of Christians that come together as one church to join faith and action. With over 5,000 churches and nearly one million members across the U.S., the UCC serves God in the co-creation of a just and sustainable world. 

Hi, I’m Pastor Mia, and I warmly welcome you to our website and our church. Wydown United is a diverse, inclusive community dedicated to honoring all perspectives and fostering social justice. We believe in creating a space where everyone’s voice is valued and where love, compassion, and activism go hand in hand. As we navigate our spiritual journeys together, we are committed to making a positive impact on St. Louis and beyond, guided by the spirit of justice, equity, and community. Thank you for taking a moment to learn more about us — we hope you find a place here that feels like home.

Pastor Mia

On March 14th, 1852, our church was founded as First Trinitarian Congregational Church from the former Third Presbyterian Church, under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Truman Marcellus Post. Dr. Post, who held radical anti-slavery views, agreed to come to St. Louis only when he was assured of his right to free speech. Through the years, the congregation has moved to different locations around St. Louis, and settled at its current location on Wydown Blvd. in 1915, with an addition to the building completed in 1929. In 1969, the congregation voted to officially affiliate with the United Church of Christ (UCC), and in January 2005 we voted to become an Open and Affirming Church. 

In 2025, we voted to officially change our name from First Congregational Church of St. Louis to Wydown United Church to reflect our inclusive and open-minded approach. Here, we celebrate each person’s faith journey through art, music, and worship. The fellowship of these ministries unites us in discovering new ways to experience God’s love. Our name was also inspired by our location on Wydown Boulevard, which connects St. Louis County and St. Louis City, adding additional meaning to the word “united”.

We are open and affirming. We offer a safe community for you to be yourself, regardless of your age, gender identity, or ethnicity.

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