The Syracuse Journal of September 6, 1858 reported, "We are pleased to note the prosperity of Plymouth Church in this city now erecting a new and commodious House of Worship." Under the leadership of its first pastor, the Reverend Michael Strieby, the church had grown from the original thirty-one members to a congregation of some three hundred souls. A great crowd attended the impressive service of dedication on Sunday evening, August 3, 1859.

Himself a fervently committed abolitionist, the Reverend Strieby was a fitting leader for the Plymouth congregation. The third pastor, the Reverend Augustus Beard, equally adamant on the slavery issue, declared that "the ownership of man by man - perpetuated generation after generation - is so wrong we cannot be silent." Both these men were founding members of the American Missionary Association, which had evolved from the Amistad Committee organized by Congregational ministers to support and protect the Africans who were captured with the ship "Amistad" in 1839.

Declaring open warfare on the Fugitive Slave Act, early members of Plymouth, who had participated in the famous Jerry Rescue, actively engaged themselves in assisting slaves fleeing northward. Although the clandestine nature of the Underground Railroad makes it difficult, if not impossible, to document the way-stations, a time honored Plymouth tradition has it that the "catacombs" beneath the sanctuary served as a hiding place for escaped slaves. This heritage is most certainly true to the spirit of Plymouth Church as it still prevails today.

During the Civil War years, thirty-six men of Plymouth departed for the front to fight for the preservation of the Union. The women formed a sewing society to make bandages and other necessary items for their soldiers. When General Robert E. Lee surrendered, a funeral service taking place in the church was interrupted so that the good news could be cried from the pulpit. The congregation rejoiced in the defeat of the evil institution it had struggled so mightily to oppose.

Not all of Plymouth's history, however lively, has been so dramatic. Through the years, various customs and practices arose, evolved, and were discarded. Some seem quaint, others unfortunate, such as the rental of pews to raise funds, or the stringent examination and dismissal of members accused of transgressing against the covenant. There have been countless memorable occasions: celebrations, commemorations, revivals, dedications, as well as musical and dramatic events. In 1892 Plymouth honored its much-decorated war hero, General Henry A. Barnum, with a full-scale military funeral, complete with bands and a procession to the cemetery. In 1916 a grand pageant was presented depicting the development of Congregationalism in England and America. The 3,000 pipe Moller organ was dedicated in 1930, with a concert by a guest celebrity from New York City. That same year saw the addition of the new wing, with Kirtland Hall, the Parlor, offices and educational facilities, as well as the reconstruction of the chancel in Colonial Revival style. These were dedicated with appropriate celebration and fanfare.

In 1948 Plymouth's ranks were enriched by a merger with Good Will Church, on the west side of Syracuse, and in the late 1960's an infusion of new members came from Danforth Church, on the south side, which had been dissolved. Many organizations within the church, such as the Women's Fellowship, the Men's Group, and an active and thriving Learning Community, have provided enjoyable programs, useful activities, opportunities for service, and valuable educational experiences.

Under the leadership of Plymouth's most recent pastor, the Reverend Harvey Pinyoun, the church has thrice undertaken an intensive process of study and discussion leading to an affirmative vote on an issue of vital concern. Just as the founding members refused to remain silent on matters of injustice, in 1985 the Plymouth community spoke out against the arbitrary deportation of political refugees from Central America. Declaring itself to be a Sanctuary Church, Plymouth joined with Syracuse Covenant Sanctuary to support and shelter refugees until they could be taken to safe haven in Canada. A decade later, Plymouth formally declared itself to be a Just Peace Church, uniting with a growing number of United Church of Christ congregations committed to becoming more intentional in the search and struggle for peace with justice. The first two issues chosen for special attention were racism and human sexuality. On January 28, 1996, Plymouth declared itself to be an Open and Affirming Community, joining a special category of congregations within the United Church of Christ which go beyond mere acceptance to extend a warm and supportive welcome to gays and lesbians and promote education and understanding around their issues. These three declarations were made in accordance with Plymouth's Hospitality Statement, which is also reflected by the words on the plaque above our door: "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." (Hebrews 13:2)

Plymouth Church was placed on the National Registry of Historic Structures in 1997, and is currently (1998) engaged in a project to repair and preserve its stained glass windows, notably the Good Shepherd window at the rear of the sanctuary. The congregation shares its space with the Open Hand Theater, Plymouth Day Care Center, the Syracuse Gay and Lesbian Chorus, Alcoholics Anonymous, and numerous other community groups. The Church is best characterized by its diversity and by its inter-generational emphasis. Spiritually oriented and biblically based, the congregation expresses its faith through the Sunday worship experience, mutual nurturing and support, and a firm dedication to doing God's work in this world.