Our Historic Building
Pioneer's sanctuary is 5,500 square feet, with a seating capacity of 420. The building was built in 1926 in inverted ark style, consisting of a main floor
and a balcony, stained glass windows throughout, and choir loft with a pipe organ in the chancel. The two story, 15,500 square foot administrative wing
was remodeled in 1998 and contains offices, meeting and classrooms, a fellowship hall and a kitchen.
Pioneer is located in the downtown/midtown area of Sacramento. The area continues to develop and grow with new restaurants, nightspots, galleries, and events that draw people. This also draws new families to the area and has led to the renewal of the midtown neighborhoods.
Music at Pioneer
Pioneer has a long tradition of having first-rate organ and choral music that enhances the worship experience. Currently there is only an adult choir whose singers bring years of singing experience to the church.
We know Christ and the disciples sang hymns (Matt 26:30); so did Paul and Silas (Acts 16:25). We are taught to use music to worship God and to edify each other (Eph 5:19, Col 3:16) and that singing is a right response to joy (Jms 5:13).
Making music is about the glory of God. We make it a part of our praise and worship for God. Our organ and choir music help us glorify God. As the body of Christ, our congregation joins in song and prayer to further worship of Him.
"After singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. " ~Matthew 26:30~
Choir membership is open to all. There is, however, a short, but painless, audition experience.
Our Prayer Labyrinth
The Prayer Labyrinth in our courtyard represents the path of life.
Its pattern represents a symbolic journey in the form of a walking meditation. This design was laid in the floor of Chartres Cathedral in France around
1200 A.D. We are rediscovering a long forgotten, but newly emerging mystical tradition that is being re-born.
The Labyrinth in our courtyard is open to all on a 24-Hour basis.
Please visit wikipedia for more information about prayer labyrinths.
Our History
One hundred and sixty years ago on September 16, 1849, in the schoolhouse on the northwest corner of I and Third Streets, a small group of men (and one woman) voted to form the First Church of Christ in Sacramento City (Congregational). On the following Sunday, a confession of faith and covenant was presented and the following enrolled their names as members: Read More
Hymn of Rev. Benton
Laying of Cornerstone, [First Church of Christ]. Hymn of Rev. Benton.
September 4, 1850.
The First Church of Christ, owing to Rev. Joseph A. Benton's powerful leadership and the lack of denominationalism on the part of his faith, emerged as the
city's leading Protestant church. The introduction of such solid symbols of stability as a church brought a civilizing influence to a community known for
its devotion to gambling and consumption of spirits. On the verso of
this document are notes for a sermon he preached at the laying of the cornerstone.
In a different building, his church continues today as Pioneer Congregational Church, standing across from the gates of Sutter's Fort.
UCC - United Church of Christ
Our nationwide denomination was a union that occurred in 1957 joining the Congregational and Christian Church with the Evangelical and Reformed Church. Our roots date back to the Protestant Reformation so that we are truly a pilgrim and pioneering people. The UCC is also in partnership with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) to enhance our ministries in Christ's name.
What does the logo Symbolize?
The symbol of the United Church of Christ comprises a crown, cross and orb enclosed within a double oval bearing the name of the church and the prayer of
Jesus, "That they may all be one" (John 17:21). It is based on an ancient Christian symbol called the "Cross of Victory" or the "Cross Triumphant." The
crown symbolizes the sovereignty of Christ. The cross recalls the suffering of Christ - his arms outstretched on the wood of the cross - for the salvation
of humanity. The orb, divided into three parts, reminds us of Jesus' command to be his "witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends
of the earth" (Acts 1:8). The verse from Scripture reflects our historic commitment to the restoration of unity among the separated churches of Jesus Christ.
from the United Church of Christ website.
Please visit www.ucc.org for more information about the United Church of Christ.