Our History…
In 1835, fourteen people from five families gathered at the cabin of Thompson Paxton, six miles southeast of Batavia, which was then known as the head of the Big Woods. For two days, August 8 and 9, the families deliberated the beginnings of a church. From that meeting came the Church of the Big and Little Woods, a name descriptive of the forested land between Aurora and St. Charles. The small group went from cabin to cabin for their services and occasionally met in the community school, the first public building in the county.
In 1840, at a meeting in the home of Sylvanus Towne, the congregation decided to build a church home in the growing village of Batavia. A building was erected where Hubbard’s furniture store now stands and the name was changed to the Presbyterian Church and Society of Batavia. For about ten years the building was shared with other denominations and the community. In 1845, the church name was changed to the Congregational Church and Society, acknowledging the anti-slavery position, so important to our founders.
In 1855, the population had increased greatly and Batavia was a thriving industrial town with both railroads and river transportation. The congregation also grew and plans were made to use local limestone to build the New England style structure that we enjoy today. The church was completed in 1856.
Throughout the years, extensive building, renovation and redecoration projects have been undertaken by the congregation in an effort to keep pace with a growing membership and to maintain the beauty and integrity of the building. In 1966, an education wing was added, which included a chapel, offices, and classrooms. With a steeple reconstruction project in 1974, a shining white spire (replacing the original steeple which was toppled in a violent storm in 1877) reclaimed its prominent position on Batavia’s skyline.
In 1985, a sesquicentennial celebration marked the coming together of the original five families 150 years before. In 1990, the congregation voted to remain in our historic building and acquire property to expand. In 1994, the Parkway Press building was purchased. In 1998, a new entryway and elevator were added to make our church accessible to all. In 2005, our new wing was dedicated, following a three year Faith in Our Future expansion plan.
The Heritage Committee continues to build on our past for God’s work in the future. The Heritage Committee is currently working on the celebration for our 175th anniversary of our church in 2010. New members are always welcome!
