About Us

100+ Years of Serving Christ and Our Community Together

Celebrating being a community of Christ Followers for over 100 years

Clague Road United Church of Christ has been a steadfast presence in North Olmsted, Ohio, for over a century, rooted in a commitment to radical welcome, hospitality, and grace. Established in 1922, the church began as a small Sunday School ministry in a local schoolhouse before formally affiliating with the Congregational Church. Over the decades, it has expanded its outreach through worship services, youth programs, mission initiatives, and community support efforts, including tutoring, recovery groups, and a monthly community meal. From its early years of fundraising through “Dime Campaigns” and bake sales to today’s diverse ministries, the church has continuously adapted to meet the spiritual and practical needs of its congregation and neighbors. Remaining on its original site for over 100 years, Clague Road UCC stands as a beacon of faith, inclusion, and service, striving to share God’s love and build a nurturing community for generations to come.

In 1954, the congregation officially broke ground on its first dedicated sanctuary, marking a significant milestone in its growth. The completion of this building provided a stable home for worship, fellowship, and outreach. Just a few years later, in 1962, Clague Road formally became a Congregational Church, aligning itself with a broader tradition of autonomy and lay leadership. This identity, however, evolved again in 1965, when the church joined the newly established United Church of Christ (UCC), embracing a vision of unity, justice, and social responsibility. These transitions reflected the congregation’s ongoing commitment to faithfulness in changing times, as it sought ways to live out the Gospel in an ever-shifting world.

Throughout the latter half of the 20th century, Clague Road UCC responded to emerging needs in both the church and the wider community. It became a center for spiritual formation and outreach, offering programs for children, youth, and adults while deepening its commitment to mission work. The church supported initiatives addressing poverty, hunger, and social justice, reinforcing its role as a place of radical hospitality. During these years, the congregation also navigated financial and structural challenges, requiring creative problem-solving and strong leadership to sustain its ministries. Whether through capital campaigns, building renovations, or strategic partnerships, the church found ways to continue thriving.

Entering the 21st century, Clague Road UCC reaffirmed its mission of inclusion and service. As cultural and theological landscapes shifted, the church sought new ways to express God’s love, particularly by affirming its commitment to supporting and including marginalized communities, and community engagement via service and outreach. Through worship, educational programs, and social action, the congregation remained steadfast in its belief that the church is called to be a place of belonging for all. Even as challenges arose—whether economic struggles, declining membership, or the impacts of a changing religious landscape—Clague Road UCC remained rooted in faith, resilience, and the power of community. Today, as it looks toward the future, the church continues to embody the radical welcome and grace that have defined its journey for over a century.