– About Us –
North Shore welcomed its first minister Rev. Vernon I. (“Pat”) Flynn, on July 1, 1949. Worship had been suspended for the summer to allow members and Rev. Flynn to canvass the neighborhoods, spreading the word about their new church. Weekly worship resumed on September 11, 1949, and Rev. Flynn launched the church’s first fall programming season. On November 6, 1949, the church received 329 charter members.
In 1950 a national Congregational publication described North Shore as the “fastest growing church in all Congregational history.”
In May 1954, the cornerstone of the church building was laid, and the congregation moved into this new home at the corner of Bell Road and Santa Monica Boulevard in January 1955. Soon thereafter, John D. (“Jack”) Fitzgerald, Jr. joined Rev. Flynn as the church’s first Assistant Minister. Rev. Fitzgerald served the church from 1955 to 1957.
In 1986 the stained glass window “Freedom” was designed and built by a church member, Charles Burroughs, and installed in the balcony. Bearing the word freedom, the year 1620, and images of the ships that brought the Pilgrims to the New World, the window serves as a reminder of our Pilgrim heritage in the Congregational tradition.
In January of 1993 NSCC installed a new organ. The organ is a modern representation of classic ideals in organ building and was specifically designed and voiced for our sanctuary. J.C. Taylor & Co., Organbuilders of Kaukauna, WI built a tonal scheme that is rooted in the American and English traditions of organbuilding.
A remodeling of the front entrance began on April 4, 1999, including an entry portico, new gardens, a renovated entryway, and the installation of an elevator, providing access to all levels of the building.
In more recent years, the main kitchen of the church was remodeled to foster more fellowship opportunities in 2009, the parking lot was resurfaced with additional lights in 2017, and the church bathrooms are approaching a complete remodeling, enhancing accessibility for all people, in 2018.
