Our Story
Ezekiel 47:9,12
"Swarms of living creatures will live wherever the river flows. There will be large numbers of fish, because this water flows there and makes the salt water fresh; so where the river goes, everything will live. Fruit trees of all kinds will grow on both banks of the river. Their leaves will not wither, nor will their fruit fail. Every month they will bear fruit, because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing."
Grounded in Grace
Founded in 1834 as The First Congregational Church of South Amherst, our building has a rich, evolving history. In our earliest days, the church operated as an offshoot of Charles Finney’s historic revival ministry. Back then, attendees arrived by horse and buggy, gathered around wood-burning fireplaces, and even used separate front entrances and seating sections for men and women.
While our historic structure has undergone many physical changes since those days before running water and automobiles, our core devotion to Scripture remains completely unchanged. Today, The Sanctuary is a vibrant, interdenominational church where the Word of God is taught passionately and the Holy Spirit moves freely. We treat one another like family, actively encouraging each member to grow spiritually while taking the Great Commission seriously through local outreach. We invite you to come worship with us this week and experience the living presence of Christ.
Our Faith Leaders
For nearly three decades, Pastor Art Wiegand and his wife, Ann, have faithfully led our congregation through its transition from a formal congregational church into the community known today as The Sanctuary. Here, we believe that sincere worship is the very heartbeat of the church—but it is only our starting point. As we study God's Word and challenge one another to grow spiritually, we are naturally compelled to share the Gospel through everything we do.
We strive to be the literal hands and feet of Jesus, giving God space to minister to our surrounding community. Out of this desire, our church family eagerly shares our time, unique talents, and financial resources. On any given week, that might mean organizing a food drive for the Salvation Army, prayerfully or financially supporting our active military members, funding student ministry tuition, sponsoring upcoming mission trips, or simply taking the time to listen and carry one another’s burdens.