About You
The Genesis of Buena Park’s First Church
First Congregational Church of Buena Park, California was the first established church in Buena Park. It was the result of James A. Whitaker’s dream for the new community, which later became a “baby boomer” community and incorporated in 1953. Whitaker founded the town, acquiring 690 acres in 1885. In 1887 when he filed a map for the town, he used the name “Buena Park”. A grassy area where Artesia and Beach Boulevards now meet had been named Plaza Buena (the “good place”) by early Spanish-speaking settlers, so Whitaker apparently adopted the “Buena” name for his town. Within a short time, a little business district sprang up at Ninth Street and Grand Avenue around Whitaker’s general store, near the railroad depot. Whitaker let a group of worshippers use a room above his Whitaker General Store for holding church services and then donated 100 square feet (and $3,000) at Tenth Street and Grand for a new church. More than $700 was donated by the Congregational Board of New York City. With this wonderful support, the First Congregational Church of Buena Park was officially established on September 5, 1888. The original church was constructed of wood. It was replaced by the present structure in 1929.
Church “Covenant”
Our shared promise of faith, community, and service.
Bible-believing Congregationalists have used what’s called a church “Covenant” or “agreement” to confess their faith and pledge to serve others within that church. For membership, you would stand before the congregation on a Sunday morning and you agree to serve others as your church family as part of our mission.
History and Congrationalism
Discover our enduring legacy and the principles that guide our church.
Our church has been blessed to be part of the Lord’s work in peoples’ lives in Buena Park throughout the years! FCCBP was established in 1888. James A Whitaker, who founded our city, was a founding member, and at that time, our church adopted a “Confession of Faith,” or statement of Christian belief
Membership & Service
Our guide to joining our church family and serving with purpose.
“Going to church,” getting together with other Christians, or becoming a member of a church doesn’t make someone a Christian: Only faith in Jesus does that! Yet, since the Lord’s given each Christian “a special gift” to use to bless others (1 Pet. 4:10, NASB), we hope to help you in this process!
Serving Through Local Church
Discover opportunities to share your gifts and serve our community.
We want to provide a healthy Christian environment for learning, encouragement, and fellowship. Because we’re here to help you discern your “special gift” to be used to serve others (1 Peter 4:10, NASB) for your blessing, we want to know what types of things you want to be involved in.
Statement of Faith
What we believe – The core truths of our Christian faith.
We also offer a statement of Christian faith that lays out our church’s Christian beliefs about the Lord and His Word. As those redeemed by Jesus Christ’s precious blood for our forgiveness, we affirm.