OAKWOOD HEIGHTS COMMUNITY CHURCH

Welcome! Our church was established in 1928.  We would like to share its rich history with you.  The Oakwood Heights community is steeped in history and vintage photos from our area as well as other communities on Staten Island can be viewed by visiting the New York Public Library web page for books. 

Pictures of the area can also be found on the Historic Richmondtown website:  

http://statenisland.pastperfectonline.com/photo?utf8=%E2%9C%93&search_criteria=oakwood+heights+community+church&searchButton=Search

​

​

What is a Congregational Church?  A Congregational Church is governed by its members, expressing the belief that no person or body stands between the local church and Jesus Christ.  This makes the role of individuals within the church very important, as they must, through prayer and study, seek God's will for the church as well as themselves.

Congregationalism began in 16th century England, when people called "Separatists" began to demand the rights of local churches to call their own ministers and of individual Christians to read and interpret the Bible for themselves.  Because of persecution, many left England and founded the Plymouth Colony in Massachusetts.  

Congregationalists' beliefs about self-government influenced the United States Constitution.  They were instrumental in the anti-slavery and women's rights movement.  The importance they placed on education (for only an educated people could read the Bible for themselves) led them to establish many of the colleges and universities of our nation.

Congregational churches today continue to emphasize the strengthening of the individual believer for his or her service in the world, the right of the local church to govern itself, and to reach out in fellowship to other Christians and churches.