Tombstone Community Congregational Church

A Brief History of
Tombstone Community Congregational Church
Tombstone Community Congregational Church had its beginning in 1902. At that time, Tombstone did not have any Protestant churches, with their doors open, for worship. The Congregational denomination was establishing its presence in the states and territories of the west and southwest. Subsequently, an organizational meeting was held, and the first worship service was conducted in the home of John A. Rockfellow; the beloved early day educator, rancher, and outstanding engineer, of the time. Then, the church was named “First Congregational Church of Tombstone”.
Reverend Otto Anderson was the first minister of the new Congregation that held its following services in Tombstone’s City Hall and at the Hotel Nobles. Following Rev. Anderson, Reverend Arthur J. Benedict became the minister and led the congregation in the planning and building of the original adobe sanctuary building, at the corner of Allen Street and 2nd Avenue. The first worship service was held here on July 10, 1904, and the Church building was dedicated on January 1st, 1905. In 1957 the Congregational Church and the Evangelical Reform joined to create the United Church of Christ. Over the years, additions have been made to the original building; the last being a large kitchen added to the fellowship hall, in 1993.
This old community church has delivered God’s message. In 2002, at the 100th anniversary, Reverend Kenneth Worthman said, “Each of us witnessed many of God’s miracles in our own lives and our own times, just as our forefathers did when they organized this church 100 years ago. They understood that they were building for the future. We too are building for the future, not just for today.”
We welcome everyone to the “Family Reunion” at the Tombstone Community Congregational Church, each week. God bless you in your journey of faith.