Our History

Clark Memorial United Church of Christ, founded in 1887, was the first church in South St. Paul. It was named after C.W. Clark, who donated land in the area known as South Park. He hired his friend and world-renowned architect Cass Gilbert (who also designed the Minnesota state capital building and the New York City Woolworth building) to design the church which stands on the corner of 15th Avenue North and Bryant Avenue.

Our Denomination

Clark Memorial belongs to the denomination of the United Church of Christ - a denomination that has left its mark on religious and political history since the Pilgrims sought spiritual freedom in 1620. The United Church of Christ was the first religious group to stand against slavery in 1700; the first denomination to ordain an African American pastor in 1785; the first denomination to ordain a woman pastor in 1853; and the first denomination to ordain an openly gay minister in 1972.

Local Community Involvement

• One of the founding churches to start Neighbors, Inc., a local mission-based organization, which provides programs such as a food shelf, discount clothing store, shuttle service and networking for the less fortunate in the community.
• First church in South St. Paul to be open and affirming to gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people.
• First church to support Restorative Justice - a South St. Paul organization dedicated to teaching nonviolence in our community.

Mission

The mission of the church supports local, state, national and global interest of the congregation. The church also supports the ministry of the United Church of Christ as programs and needs arise. The congregation is mindful of the needs of Northern Dakota County (especially South St. Paul) and is committed to raise money and provide leadership within the community. They participate in city-wide events such as Kaposia Days and On the Road Again Days.

Fellowships

The fellowship of the congregation is expressed through organized groups for children and youth and also informal and congregational members form close relationships with one another. Winter camping, Relay for Life, Women's Fall Festival, Quilting, Kaposia Days Bingo, Blues Bash, tennis matches and board game nights are a few highlights of the fun, fellowship and work of the ministry that are experienced around Clark Memorial United Church of Christ. Events vary depending upon interested of the congregation and opportunities that arise.