Dr. William Jackson Jarman began his ministry on August 1, 1948. He assured the congregation that "all present orders will remain in effect." They rejoiced at this declaration. There was still $50,000 owed on the building. Average attendance was 488 people per Sunday. Attendance dropped to 434 in 1951, nearly causing a panic. To increase attendance they tried something new -- 2 services --a short service at 8:00 and a full service at 10:45. The all-time high was an average of 522 in 1955.

Dr. Jarman was a worthy successor to Dr. Fisher. People came to hear sermons, membership development was stressed, fellowship dinners were begun and a group was organized to call on shut-ins and visitors. He was very active in the Ecumenical Movement and served on several national brotherhood committees. He left the congregation with an extended concept of family to include people of other denominations by working for Christian unity.

Dr. Jarman's greatest achievement was probably the building of the Illinois Disciples Foundation. A drive for funding was begun in 1944. In 1952 a building would cost $400,000. Assets on hand were $150,000. Ground was broken on October 12, 1952. Work was slow and progressed only as money became available. Finally, in 1957, the building was completed.

In August 1965, Dr. Jarman resigned his position at UPCC after 17 years of service to take a similar position at Park Avenue Christian Church in New York City. The congregation was much richer because of the leadership of Dr. Jarman and his work for Christian unity.  

The next minister was Rev. Raphael Miller, Jr., coming in May 1966. Rafe, as he was known by most of us, was a true minister. If you were in the hospital, Rafe was there to visit or to sit with the family during surgery. His concern for people led him to serve on the Champaign County Mental Health Board where he was elected its first president. He also had a question-answer column that ran for several years in our national magazine, The Disciple. Outreach in the form of sponsorship of two refuge families occurred in the early eighties. Rafe's sermons were thought provoking and his warmth was different from the formality of Rev. Jarman. Rafe retired in 1983, just after the celebration of the church's 100th anniversary. He gave 17 years of service to UPCC, leaving us with a legacy of love, warmth and concern for others.

Our next senior minister was Rev. Roger Jenks. Roger came to UPCC in August 1984. He had a love of music, and was talented in both composing and conducting. The Contemporary, Children, and Bell Choirs were initiated under his tenure to further and broaden the musical experience in our worship services.
It was during Roger's tenure that the interior refinishing of the building including renovation and restoration of the Sanctuary was completed.
Roger delivered challenging sermons and had an ability to make everyday events into a learning experience was another strength. Many new programs were begun including an an annual Pastor's Academy, a Summer Academy for adults, and a Youth Summit event. Roger led us with enthusiasm until his resignation in February 1999 to take a new position.

In October 2000 Rev. John Faircloth came to UPCC. John helped to develop the successful LOGOS program for youth. Various study groups were implemented for furthering biblical knowledge. A series of outreach concerts was conducted, drawing considerable interest from the community.
Also during his tenure a capital building campaign was started for renovating the offices and creating a gathering area with a new entrance. The Sanctuary got new air conditioning and the original roof was replaced. The organ also went though a major renovation with a new console. John concluded his ministry in the church in January, 2006.

Our family has been blessed with Associate Ministers who have led and inspired us. Joe Bryan, Karen Martin, Mary Alice Mulligan, Deborah Owen, Avis Barker, and Ralph Deal all have served this congregation.

UPCC has had the reputation of holding to a high degree of excellence in its music. The pastors of UPCC have understood and loved good music. Being near the School of Music of the University of Illinois has blessed this church with great singers and organists. Numerous members of the Chancel Choir have had musical careers, appearing in major opera houses around the world. This history would not be complete without mentioning Paul Pettinga, professor emeritus of the U. of I. Organ Department, who beginning in 1950, served this church faithfully for over 40 years as organist and choirmaster.

To learn more about the Disciples of Chirst, go to a brief history of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

As the scripture from John said, "They live within my love." They were and are the pillars of the church. They received the gift of love and are passing it on to us.

We have taken to heart the command of Jesus when he said, "Love one another as I have loved you."

We celebrate a wonderful heritage and a caring family and if we want to know where we are going in the future, it helps to know where we've been. From the very beginning, we have struggled, built, celebrated, buried, prayed, sung, supported, argued, questioned, forgiven and loved just the way most families behave. We have a great past. May God help us make the future even better, to love Him and to walk humbly with Him.