About Our New Pastor
Rev. Francois "Co" DuToit
The First Congregational Church of Des Plaines announces the appointment of Rev. Francois "Co" DuToit as minister effective May 1, 2008.
Read Co's Words Here!
He succeeds Rev. Dr. William G. Grice III, who retired in March after 28 years as the church's senior minister. Upon his retirement, Dr. Grice received the honorary title of Pastor Emeritus in recognition of his many years of service.
Rev. DuToit has served as minister of Hillcrest United Church of Christ in Montrose, CO since 2002. He was born and raised in Odendaalsrus, Free State, South Africa. He completed his seminary training in 1991 at the University of the Orange Free State, focusing on small groups and church growth.
During his military service, Rev. DuToit served as chaplain of the Parachute Battalion of the South African military. He worked as "New Church Developer" for one year in a rural area among farm workers and also as a chaplain of the Department of Correctional Services.
Rev. DuToit's church ministry began when he was called to be the pastor of The Dutch Reformed Church of Benoni in South Africa for nine years before moving with his family to the United States. He served as associate pastor at a United Church of Christ church in Florida for one year before being called to the Colorado church.
Rev. DuToit and his wife, Ellie, also a native of South Africa, have three children - a son, Francois, who is a high school sophomore; a daughter, Izaan, who is in eighth grade; and a daughter, Ansebel, who is in fifth grade.
Among their interests, the DuToit family enjoys camping together. Rev. DuToit also enjoys golf, and Ellie is an experienced amateur photographer.
"We are excited about moving to Des Plaines and starting a new chapter in our lives," said Rev. DuToit. The family will reside in the church's Oakwood Avenue parsonage.
Beth Benson - Secretary
Matt Cameron - Co-Director of Youth Ministries
Grice, Chris - Pilgrim Fellowship Co-Director
Grice, Rev. Dr. William - Pastor Emeritus
Eric Johnson - Junior Youth Choir Director
Sarah McConnell - Director of the Preschool
Joanne Rix - Secretary
Janet Thompson - Director of Christian Education