As part of its “high potential” program to promote church extension and growth in “fast-growing, un-churched” areas of the country, the Congregational Christian Churches (now the United Church of Christ) called the Rev. John F. McClelland to establish a church in Silver Spring, MD. On September 24, 1944, 75 people met in the gymnasium of Montgomery Blair High School (then located on Wayne Avenue; pictured above) to begin a new church. Silver Spring Congregational Christian Church (now CCC) was the first church in America founded under this program.

Throughout its history, CCC has devoted its ministry and mission to promoting social justice and peace in the local, national and international community, creating opportunities for all generations in music and the arts, and fostering the spiritual development and education of children, youth, and adults.

In keeping with the pioneer spirit under which it was founded, CCC has been in the forefront of national and local movements to address issues of social justice. In 1957, CCC became the first church in Montgomery County to become integrated, and there is an apocryphal story of a cross burned on the church’s front lawn.

View more information about our Church History (pdf).

Senior Ministers

Below is a list of CCC’s Senior Ministers and the years they served.