From its inception in October 1955, Rincon Congregational Church was envisioned as a place to offer a progressive approach to religion and spirituality. 

We worship, grow and celebrate together. Our history demonstrates our love of art and music, our compassion for each other and the members of the wider community, our desire to fight for social justice and our willingness to support each other on our spiritual journeys.


A brief review of some of our milestones:


  • Began on the first Sunday of October, 1955 in Duffy Elementary School.
  • February 12, 1956 Reverend Lester Smith installed as the Rincon’s first minister.
  • November 3, 1957 the first worship service was held in what has become the Fellowship Hall.
  • 1961 Rincon’s name was changed to reflect the merged denomination of the United Church of Christ.
  • August 1960 Reverend Keenan Sheldon assumed the role of senior minister.
  • 1965 Rincon established a sister church relationship with a church in Empalme, Sonora, Mexico.
  • Palm Sunday, 1969 the first service was held in the new and current sanctuary. The mortgage was burned just nine years later.
  • 1982 Reverend Carl F. Schroer installed as senior minister.
  • 1984 Opened First Steps Child Care Center in response to community needs.
  • March 1986 began participating in the Casa Maria feeding project.
  • December 1988 First participation in Project Hospitality an outreach to Tucson’s homeless population during the coldest months of the year.
  • 1994 Prayer Garden and Columbarium completed.
  • June 1991 Rincon became a Just Peace Church
  • September 1995 Rincon became an Open and Affirming Congregation
  • February 1997 Reverend James Lumsden became Rincon’s  fourth Senior Minister
  • 1999 Rincon’s Called-to-Care ministry offering ongoing regular connection with Rincon’s homebound, and socially isolated members was developed.
  • 1996 the Rincon Pops was started by Steve Owens, Rincon’s Choir Director
  • 2001 Rincon’s chancel choir presented the Gospel Mass written and directed by the Director of Music, James Gall.  
  • 2004 Rincon’s unique copper-colored anodized Standing Seam roof installed, making Rincon a community landmark.
  • 2007 A Steinway Boston grand piano was purchased for the sanctuary and to create a venue for student recitals and performances.
  • March 14, 2007 a combined community and Chancel Choir under the direction of Rincon’s music director, Justin Raffa, presented “Prayers for Bobby,” the story of a tragic end of a gay young man narrated by local TV anchor Patty Weiss.
  • January 2008 The Friends of Music program is formed to make high quality music accessible in Central Tucson
  • October 28, 2005 50th anniversary celebration
  • November 22, 2009 Reverend Stephen Van Kuiken called as Senior Minister.
  • 2010 Monthly Primavera meal preparation added to Rincon ministries
  • 2010 Rincon held the first Dazzling Bouquet of Music Concert Series
  • 2011 Major renovation of the south side classroom into staff offices completed.
  • 2011 New Migrant Ministry added to Rincon’s social justice ministries.
  • 2013 January 13 The Rev. Leah McCullough was hired as the Interim Supply Minister
  • 2013 April 28 The Rev. Delle McCormick was called to Rincon as the Senior Pastor.
  • 2014 Rincon distributed the first Gertrude Scofield Bequest grants to community partner groups.  Learn more here.
  • 2014 Rincon completed a major upgrade of the kitchen with money from the Gertrude Scofield Bequest, allowing greater use of the space by community partners.
  • 2015 Rincon completed a new Children's Gathering Space on the north side of the office building.









 Picture
One of the unique features of our sanctuary are our stained class windows.

The artist and designer, Mary Meyers used the themes of Joy, Hope and Renewal, Love and Peace for her work. She describes her work: “Joy is characterized by the choice of strong bright colors –red, blue, and green, and by the use of free and flowing lines.  Hope and Renewal are characterized by the water forms – the ‘bubbles’ and the ‘waves’ in the panes designs. Water is the element which is ‘Mother to us all, it implies birth, and the Rebirth of Faith; it means cleansing, baptism, and the molding and changing powers of the waves on the shore.  Love is represented by the clear, continuous, but sinuous flowing line that threads all the window panels and the sections of the skylight together.  Peace is represented by the blue ‘ladder’ or step forms in the design representing the human climb toward peace, both inner and worldly.”

We agree with Mary, "It is love that binds us all together in worship and in life."