Church History

The First Congregational Church was organized at the ledge on Route 88 in North Yarmouth, now known as Yarmouth, on November 18, 1730. Because of the great traveling distance, inhabitants of the newly formed town, Cumberland, wanted a church in their town. Construction of a new church began in 1792 and was finished 1798. Originally named The Second Church of North Yarmouth and then The North West Congregational Society of North Yarmouth. In 1821, it was again renamed The Congregational Church in Cumberland, the name it still carries to this date. 

In the summer of 1831, the original church had to be torn down because it was in the right-of-way for a new County access road (US Rt. 9.)  While being rebuilt, in a spot just behind the original building, worship was held in the new barn of Enos Blanchard. In 1887 renovations and remodeling of the Sanctuary began: the organ lowered to floor level, a new bell was hung, the choir lofts moved to the front, and the present pews were installed.

In 1961, the congregation voted to become part of the newly formed The United Church of Christ. Soon after, ground was broken for the Parish Hall, with additional adjoining space completed in 1989, including a Chapel and an elevator. 

Since its founding, the Church has been served by thirty five dedicated Ministers. 

It became Open and Affirming in 2001,O&A is an official designation of congregations and other settings in the United Church of Christ (UCC) affirming the full inclusion of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender,non-binary, and queer persons (LGBTQ) in the church's life and ministry.

In 2008, Main Street Children’s Center was founded and it is located in the church’s basement. It is a community based preschool, providing exceptional childcare. 

In 2007, the church founded The Cumberland Woodbank, a volunteer based organization which processes and sells wood for heating. Proceeds then help families who need financial assistance to heat their homes. 

Founded and hosted for many years by the Congregational Church, the Community Food Pantry is now located in the back of the Cumberland Town Hall. The pantry serves individuals and families from Cumberland, North Yarmouth, Pownal, and New Gloucester. The church still collects food and dry goods for delivery to the Community Food Pantry monthly.

Every year, volunteers gather for a Seacoast Mission trip to Downeast Maine where homeowners in need have their house updated/renovated to help them during Maine’s hard winters.  The Church also has a long term connection with Safe Passage school near the Guatemala City Dump in Guatemala City.

A recent endeavor is the Welcoming Neighbors Team which seeks to support new Mainers and asylum seeker families, including assistance with legal help, translation, transportation, housing applications, advocacy, material needs and friendship.  The Church also began a MultiLingual worship service in 2023.

Family Dinners are another recent initiative.  Free dinners for families (those with children, singles, doubles, and in between) take place once a month on Sunday evenings with an intergenerational faith activity or craft–a great way for busy families to find community, faith, and connection.  

CCCUCC has a deep commitment to put “Love in Action.”

In 2024, CCCUCC updated its mission statement: 
As a compassionate and diverse church with Jesus as our guide, we deepen our faith, share God’s hope, and put Love in Action for our community and the earth. We invite you to join us as we continue to serve God, follow Jesus’ path, and put Love in Action in our community and beyond!