In Celebration of Rev. Dr. C. David Owens, Senior Pastor

Pastor, Teacher, Fellow Traveler, and Friend

"Why do you seek the Living One among the dead? 
He is not here, but risen!"     - - - Luke 24:5

In Memory of Rev. Dr. Charles David Owens
January 2, 1947 - December 19, 2003

Senior Pastor of First Congregational Church of Wilmette, U.C.C.
December 1993 - December 2003

This church website began as a dream envisioned by our Senior Pastor, Rev. C. David Owens.  David passed away on December 19, 2003 after a valiant four-year battle with prostate cancer, during which he preached and taught until two weeks prior to his death.  David was a visionary leader with a playful spirit and an infectious sense of humor.  His image for the church was one in which each staff person and lay member was empowered to carry out ministry in the name of Jesus through a foundation of Biblical literacy and spiritual discernment nurtured in a community that worships and converses together.  The information contained in this website reflects the life of a congregation that is grounded in the Biblical narrative, nurtured by the Spirit, fed by communal worship and conversation, and empowered for ministry. David did not live to see the church website project completed, but we dedicate it to his memory, trusting that he is now at eternal rest, and that he inspires and smiles upon the work our congregation continues to accomplish.