Founded in 1957, the United Church of Christ is grounded in the ancient church of the New Testament and in historic streams of Christianity in this country, dating back to the Pilgrims of New England and the German immigrants in colonial Pennsylvania .  We affirm the words of our Pilgrim forbearer, John Robinson, that God has “more light and truth to break forth..”(1621)

In our generation, we seek and serve God in innovative ways.  God continues to form us through new people among us, offering a multi-cultural mosaic that reflects all of creation.  We celebrate our common ground, while honoring our differences:  “in essentials, unity; in nonessentials, diversity; in all things, charity.”

Through prayer, sacraments, and worship: through fellowship, community service, and missions, God is at work in our hearts and minds.

On August 17, 1999 , the three congregations – First United Church of Christ, Salem United Church of Christ, and Trinity United Church of Christ established an Inter-Church Board which was the outgrowth of a Unity Committee that had been meeting together for many years.  This Board acted as an arm of each congregation as we moved

forward to the merger under the guidance of the Rev. Nelson Wenner, Interim Pastor at

Trinity United Church of Christ .

Prior to the establishment of the Inter-Church Board, these three congregations and Grace United Church of Christ had, under the direction of the Unity Committee, shared in various activities including Lenten services, picnics, and athletic events at area parks.

On Sunday, October 24, 1999 , the congregations, worshipping together at Trinity U.C.C.,

voted to become Faith United Church of Christ of Altoona .  That day the three congregations: First United Church of Christ, Salem United Church of Christ, and Trinity United Church of Christ, saw the meaning of the motto of the United Church of Christ,  “That They May All Be One”, come true for their new Faith United Church of Christ of Altoona .

We take very seriously our Covenantal Relationship with the Juniata Association, the Penn West Conference, the entire United Church of Christ, and the ecumenical community around the world.Our history was just beginning to come together.  November 28, 2001 , was the official merger of the three congregations.  The first Vision Statement was completed when our first pastor, The Rev. Donald A. Rock, was called in November, 2002.  A new Vision

Statement was developed: