About Us

Our Mission

OBJECTIVE: Maintain in essentially unaltered and original condition the First Congregational United Church of Christ building and pipe organ to preserve the heritage and legacy brought to Minnesota by the New England settlers who established First Congregational.

MISSION:

• Collect and preserve historical documents, photographs, memorabilia, and artifacts that relate to the experiences of the early pioneers who settled in and around Zumbrota.
• Encourage the use of the building, including the pipe organ, for suitable group, family and community events.
• Establish and maintain a permanent endowment fund that provides sufficient income to maintain the building and organ and accomplish the objective and mission of the Society.

Our History

The First Congregational United Church of Christ building was built in 1862 by settlers from New England who originally set out to establish a colony in the West to establish religious and educational institutions. The church building is a stately symbol of the contribution that these early New England pioneers made to the history of the community, county, and state.

The building is well preserved and is architecturally distinctive in design and style. It represents the spiritual, historic, family and ethnic values of the early New England settlers and a monument to the New England architecture reflected in the building.

The pipe organ, still in use today, was originally used in the Winona Congregational Church. It was purchased and installed in 1885.

Preservation Society

The values of the early settlers that are symbolized by the building serve as a guide for the Society in establishing its objectives and mission. The First Congregational Preservation Society was established to ensure the church building's continued preservation and to maintain its historical integrity for future generations.

Through careful ongoing maintenance, we work to preserve the church's original architectural features, historical artifacts, and surrounding grounds. Our efforts include structural repairs, historical research, community education, and organizing preservation events to raise awareness and support for our mission.