The Ute, Arapaho, and Cheyenne peoples were the first known inhabitants in the region that is today’s Colorado Springs, Colorado. American and European settlers first began settling in significant numbers in the region during various gold rushes during the 1850s and 1860s. Colorado Springs was founded in 1871 on a region downstream from Old Colorado City and the town was officially named Colorado Springs by 1879. Colorado Springs was incorporated in 1886.

The First Congregational Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado, was organized in 1874 in conjunction with the founding of Colorado College. The college itself was founded, in part, with the backing of the Congregationalists from Colorado’s Ministerial Congregational Association who desired to have a Christian college in the territory. The churches first two minister, Johnathan Edwards and James Dougherty, were also employed by Colorado College.

The cornerstone for a new church building to house the First Congregational Church was laid on September 8, 1888. The building was designed by Henry Rutgers Marshall and was constructed using stone quarried at Castle Rock, Colorado. A small church library was a part of the original design. Construction on the building was completed in 1889 and the building’s inaugural worship service was held on July 21, 1889 with James B. Gregg leading the service. The dedication service was delayed until October of that year though so that the installation of a Hook and Hastings organ could be completed. Around 1935, a small house was donated to the church in memory of Gregg’s 27-year pastorate and the church library moved into the house to form the Gregg Memorial Library. The First Congregational Church was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on October 31, 2002. The First Congregational Church, now a member of the United Church of Christ, continues to serve the Colorado Springs community today.