In a nutshell

Germans arriving on the American frontier in the nineteenth century brought with them pietism (religion of the heart), a mix of Lutheran and Reformed faith, missionary zeal, and a yearning for peace in reaction to the religious wars in Germany. Eventually coalescing into the Evangelical Synod of North America, it merged with the Reformed Church in the United States in 1934.

Center of gravity

Midwest.

What you might expect if you visit one

Strong sense of ethnic German heritage, perhaps including an annual service in German. Traditional church buildings that recall German architecture and decoration, with dark carved wood and stained glass. A balance of Lutheran and Reformed thinking with an emphasis on individual conscience and liberty. Casseroles.

Closest living non-UCC relatives

Lutherans.

In a nutshell

Germans arriving in Pennsylvania at the turn of the century brought the Heidelberg Catechism, pragmatic concerns, and no pastors. For years, they managed just fine with lay leaders, thank you, until regularly ordained pastors began to arrive from the Old World. Merged with the Evangelical Synod of North America in 1934.

Center of gravity

Pennsylvania and the mid-Atlantic.

What you might expect if you visit one

Ditto to the Evangelicals. A commitment to the best of traditional Reformed faith, formal litanies, chants, prayers, and an emphasis on sacraments.

What they bring to the party

A playlist of familiar but utterly undanceable tunes.

Closest living non-UCC relatives

Reformed Church in America.

In a nutshell

Emerging out of the legacy of slavery, the Afro-Christian Convention was a powerful movement of independent Black churches in the post-Civil War era. Formally organized in 1892, it grew to include 150 churches and 25,000 members, primarily in North Carolina and Virginia. The Afro-Christian churches emphasized freedom from oppressive structures, deep African spirituality, and a commitment to Christian education and community empowerment.

Center of gravity

North Carolina and Virginia.

What you might expect if you visit one

Vibrant worship rooted in African spirituality, a deep sense of community, and an emphasis on justice and liberation. Music, call-and-response preaching, and a focus on communal care are likely to be central elements.

What they bring to the party

A history of resilience and empowerment, with a strong focus on justice and African-rooted expressions of Christianity.

Closest living non-UCC relatives

The Black church tradition in general, including the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME).

In a nutshell

Riding high on the heart-centered Second Great Awakening, several different groups tired of the burdens and strictures placed on them by affiliation with existing denominations and broke away. They called themselves simply “Christian” and sought to create a faithful way of being appropriate to their new frontier circumstances. “No creed but Christ, no book but the Bible” was one rallying cry. Merged with many Congregational churches in 1931.

Center of gravity

Virginia and Kentucky (at that time, the frontier), with significant outposts in New England and Ohio.

What you might expect if you visit one

Commitment to God and a love of Communion mark most of these congregations. Beyond that, don’t bother expecting much; this is a diverse bunch!

What they bring to the party

Wine, bread, and some guy they just met on the street.

Closest living non-UCC relatives

The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), with whom the UCC shares a global missions board.

In a nutshell

English Puritans and Pilgrims founded autonomous congregations marked by strict Calvinist belief, plain worship stripped of all smells and bells, the Protestant ethic, and a commitment to learning. Many merged with the Christian churches in 1931.

Center of gravity

New England.

What you might expect if you visit one

Virtually uniformly Anglo-Saxon old guard with a diverse younger mix, all with a strong “you’re not the boss of me” streak. Plain white church buildings (or “meeting houses”) with little interior decoration, clear glass windows, and a high, central pulpit. Worship with a focus on preaching.

What they bring to the party

A list of relatives who were on the Mayflower.

Closest living non-UCC relatives

Unitarian Universalists; Continuing Congregational Churches.