A.O. Rockenbach Family

First Congregational Church of Crystal Lake

Soon after moving to Crystal Lake in 1927, Almon and Lizzie joined the First Congregational Church located on Pierson Street in Crystal Lake. The family was very active in the church as Lizzie’s diary attests. Six of the 14 children (Ruth, Ray, Rodney, Sarah, Dory and Philip) and two of the grandchildren (Susan Nelson and Leslie Green) were married in the church, and several memorial services for family members were held there as well.

Even after most of the family had moved away from Crystal Lake, Ruth and Phil Taylor and Philip and Yvonne and their families remained active in the church.  Phil Taylor was the resident expert on the life of the apostle Paul and often spoke at the church. Yvonne taught Sunday School there for many years and served several terms as a church Deaconess.  Philip was one of the founders of Boy Scout Troop 168 which was sponsored by the church. Founded in 1960, the troop is still active today.

Built in 1867, the First Congregational Church as it looked about the time the Rockenbach family moved to Crystal Lake.
The church as it looks today.