Plymouth_Brochure-DIGITAL (1) - Flipbook - Page 8
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Propelling our legacy into the future.
THIS MOMENT
Our Historical Moments
Plymouth Congregational Church first gathered in 1857, the same year Des Moines was named the
state capital. The first church building was a small frame building on Court Avenue in Des Moines.
As membership increased, the church moved to the northeast corner of 7th and Locust Streets. In
1864, they sent groups out to form three new congregations — Pilgrim, North Park, and Greenwood.
In 1900, the church planned a new building at 8th and Pleasant Streets in downtown
Des Moines. The church was built on what came to be known as “Piety Hill.”
By 1919, there were three Congregational churches in Des Moines: Plymouth Church, Greenwood Church, and
Waveland Park. Our current building has rooms honoring these early congregations: Waveland and Greenwood.
In 1925, the City of Des Moines wished to extend 8th Street, and the city acquired the church property
on Piety Hill. A building committee was formed and decided to combine several neighborhood churches.
The cornerstone for our current location at
42nd and Ingersoll was laid in December 1926.
In 1957, the Congregational Church and the Evangelical and Reformed
Church merged to form the United Church of Christ, our current denomination.
In 1968, the church opened Plymouth Place, a retirement home
for low-income seniors across the street from the church.
In 1993, Plymouth became one of the first churches to adopt an Open
and Affirming policy that fully welcomes the LGBTQ+ community.
In 2003, Plymouth celebrated the completion of a building addition that included
a new entryway, parking structure, educational wing, and a new Waveland Hall.
In 2006, Plymouth launched the Transition into Ministry (TiM) Program. This pastoral residency program
supports first-call pastors in developing the skills and practices needed for congregational ministry.
In 2020, Plymouth completed repairs to the Henry Martyn
Rollins Tower, a key architectural element of the building.
Today, Plymouth is one of the largest congregations in the United Church of Christ, continuing
its vibrant legacy of social justice, community engagement, and dynamic ministry for all ages.
