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Welcome! Please make yourself at home!
The First Congregational Church was organized in October 1734 as a mission to the Mohican Indians living along the Housatonic River. The first church building was located where the Children’s Chime Tower stands today, in front of the present building. It was erected in 1739, dedicated on Thanksgiving Day, and used until 1785. A second building was located on Prospect Hill, one mile north of the present location, and served until the construction of this building in 1824. It can be found by turning right on RT 102 from the parking light, bearing right on Church Street, again on North Church Street, and then staying to the right at the fork in the road. The location is marked by a stone pillar.
This church has enjoyed a storied history. The names of the 29 pastors are listed to your left on the wooden boards here in the narthex.  The first was Rev. John Sergeant, missionary to the Indians. Sergeant learned the Indian language so that he might preach to them in their native language.  Most famous of the ministers was Rev. Jonathan Edwards, best remembered for his classic work, “The Freedom of the Will,” written here.
In addition to the pastors, many prominent thinkers and theologians have claimed this place as home, including Reinhold Niebuhr and Max Stackhouse. Music has also played a prominent role in the history of the church. The music wafting from the sanctuary inspired Charles Ives to compose the Housatonic at Stockbridge. Our Current Pastor, Rev. Brent Damrow, arrived in 2014 following ministry at the United Parish in Brookline and Old South Church in Boston. The church is vibrant and growing as we pursue our mission to be God’s love in the world.
To begin your tour, pick up the tour brochure and turn to the right. Go through the door furthest to the right and proceed counterclockwise around the sanctuary.
Upon entering, notice the first window and its beautiful wavy glass. The glass is original to the building and will be restored in the coming year. Further up the aisle, notice the: Replica of Original Communion Set, Baptismal Font, Six Plaques in Memory of Early Pastors, Communion Table, Pulpit, Organ, Chandelier and Bronze Children’s Cross.
As you leave the sanctuary, glance out the east-facing windows where you will see the Memorial Garden.
Please join us for any of our activities including weekly worship at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday. We are an Open and Affirming Congregation welcoming all who wish to be part of our shared life. During worship we offer Sunday School and a Nursery program.