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Service of Leave-taking for Christ Church United of Lowell: A Legacy of Love and Justice
Christ Church United, UCC, a fixture of spiritual life and social justice in Lowell for over 50 years as a federated congregation, will hold a formal Service of Leave-taking on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at 2:00 pm. This service marks a poignant moment for the city, offering a space to honor the historic ministries, the sacred space of the East Merrimack Street building, and the enduring impact of a congregation known for its extravagant welcome.
While the physical property at 180 East Merrimack Street will no longer be its home, the mission of CCU remains alive in the hearts of its remaining members. The congregation reached the difficult decision to close following years of declining membership and the rising costs of maintaining their large, historic building.
As the living stones of the church transition, members of the historic CCU worshiping community plan to nest with First Congregational Church of Billerica beginning in late January, ensuring that the CCU spirit of inclusivity and service continues in new forms as the congregation itself completes a legal dissolution process.
A Rich Tapestry of History: From 1841 to Today
The story of Christ Church United is a complex and beautiful tapestry woven from thirteen different Lowell faith communities: ten Congregational, two Unitarian, and one Episcopalian. The origins of the site began with an ambitious but ill-fated Episcopal project, St. Luke’s, in 1841. When local mill owners withdrew support for a second Episcopal church, the unfinished building was purchased by an offshoot of the John Street Congregational Church, officially organizing as the High Street Congregational Church in 1846.
The church’s history was marked by resilience and transformation:
The Turnaround (1857-1887): After nearly closing in its first decade, the church flourished under the 30-year leadership of Rev. Owen Street, becoming a staple of the Belvidere neighborhood.
The "Good Marriage" (1918-1921): During the fuel shortages of WWI, High Street Congregational and the First Unitarian Church began worshipping together. This blossomed into All Souls Church, a union that combined High Street’s landmark building with the resources of the Unitarian society.
Architectural Legacy: The 1919 renovations transformed the space, adding the parish house, lowering the floors to eliminate the old basement vestry, and installing the renowned Skinner organ and the stunning chancel stained-glass windows.
The Birth of CCU (1969): Following the national formation of the United Church of Christ, three major Lowell churches—All Souls, Highland Congregational, and First Congregational (the city’s oldest, founded in 1826)—merged to form the Christ Church United we know today.
Commitment to Inclusion: In the 1990's, the congregation welcomed and began sharing space with Lao and Spanish speaking congregations respectively. In 2001, the church became an Open and Affirming congregation, among the earlier churches to fully include LGBTQ+ people. In the 2010's, the congregation launched a day shelter called Under the Oak, helped co-found Lowell's Recovery Cafe, and a music and arts ministry called Lowell Learns.
A Legacy of Justice
Throughout the 21st century, CCU became synonymous with its "extravagant welcome." As an Open and Affirming congregation, it stood as a sanctuary for the LGBTQ+ community and a tireless advocate for the marginalized. From its roots in the 1820s to its modern music, arts, and social justice initiatives, CCU has served as a spiritual light in the city.
A New Chapter for 180 East Merrimack Street
While the CCU congregation prepares to transition its ministry to Billerica, the historic stone edifice in downtown Lowell will continue to serve as a house of worship. The building is set to become a new campus for All People Church of North Reading in February 2026.
Join Us for the Service
The Service of Leave-taking is an invitation to all to honor the history of this congregation and celebrate the tangible and intangible gifts this congregation has given the community. It is a time to say goodbye to a building while blessing the "living stones" as they carry the CCU spirit to their new home in Billerica.
Service Details:
Date: Sunday, January 18, 2026
Time: 2:00 pm
Location: 180 East Merrimack Street, Lowell, MA 01852
