After 121 years, a historic Pocatello church is closing. Here’s when the final service will be held.
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POCATELLO — The historic 121-year-old First Congregational United Church of Christ (FCUCC) at 309 North Garfield has been sold, and the congregation has voted to disband, with members moving on to join other local churches.
FCUCC Pastor Star Reardon confirmed that the church accepted an offer from Christ’s Love Vineyard in Pocatello.
Currently located at 415 South Second in Pocatello, Christ’s Love Vineyard is a welcoming, Kingdom-focused church that emphasizes spiritual healing, community connection, and personal growth through God’s love. EastIdahoNews.com attempted to contact Christ’s Love Vineyard for comment but has not receive a response.
Reardon, who began her ministry at FCUCC about 7 years ago and will be moving on, said she is pleased with the sale and excited to see what God will do next for the beloved church in Pocatello.
“We only showed it to potential buyers who would honor the church’s rich history with no intentions of flattening it while still making service to the poor a priority,” said Reardon. “The new owners and I prayed around the building and for each other as we are all part of a universal church. Christ’s church.”
Reardon said the new owners have shown great interest in keeping the historical landmark intact while preserving all the old documents that come with it.
FCUCC, which has also housed the REFUGE Emergency Warming Shelter, will continue to be a safe haven for those in need under the new ownership. Additionally, the First Friday organ concerts, a tradition with Old Town Pocatello, will continue.
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“We have the oldest organ in town and put on the best program that often includes violinists and other musicians,” Reardon said.
A farewell service for the congregation will be held on Thursday, May 15, at 6 p.m. The service will blend worship, storytelling, and reflection, allowing members and the community to share memories and celebrate the church’s legacy.
“I’m looking for this to be a diverse gathering of many faiths,” Reardon said. “Pocatello has a wonderful interfaith community; this is a chance to share our journeys of faith.”
Additional services may be announced throughout May as the congregation transitions to its new mission. A moving sale will be held in the church’s gym on May 10 from 8 a.m. to noon.
For updates, follow FCUCC on Facebook