Since 1852...
we have been about God's work as a congregation. That year, fifty-two people decided to gather as a congregation and built our present sanctuary.  During the next five decades the congregation grew, a pipe organ was installed, an active education program was supported and a lively Women's Society established. 

    A slow and steady growth marked our life early in this century.  After George Riggan was called in 1938 the congregation established Sunday Evening Forums.  Eleanor Roosevelt, Adm. Donald MacMillan and Rabbi Stephen Wise were among the lecturers.

    During the late 1940's Harper Welch helped the congregation regain control of the Pratt Estate, left by Capt. Isaiah Pratt "for the benefit of Congregational Children."

    In 1951 the congregation planned for an addition to provide better facilities for Christian education and fellowship.  This work and new life continued under the vigorous leadership of Walter Kuyawski.  His sudden death was a blow but the congregation continued to plan a more extensive ministry.

    In 1955 Allan Lorimer became pastor and a year later Don Male began a creative youth ministry.  During this time the music ministry grew as did the worshipping congregation.  Peter Diehl, called in 1967, helped us to welcome more families while ministering during the turbulent late 1960's.
    In the 1971, Ernest Harris became our minister, encouraging fresh forms of ministry and outreach.  Barry Asch also began his extensive music ministry.

    Joshua Crowell was called in 1975 and helped us to develop our unique gifts and grow in our sense of ministry.  In 1987 we created an added staff position of Associate Minister and Bette Anne Crowell was called to that position.  We grew to see our ministries affectively extended throughout the world as we hosted several world missionaries and national staff members.  We completed an ambitious program of expanding and refurbishing our facilities and added a new Austin organ to better serve our growing congregation in the early 1990's.

    Throughout the past decade, we have remained active in the community supporting the Valley Shore Soup Kitchens serving meals, Gateway dinners and providing musical programs in area assisted living and residential homes.  Our One Great Hour of Sharing giving is strongly supported.  Our youth and adult travel and service crews have worked here in Connecticut and throughout the nation to help us see and break cycles of violence wherever we may go. 

    Ken Peterkin was called to serve as our Senior Minister in July of 2004, ushering in yet another dynamic set of leadership skills and calls for challenge and service. Mitzi Eilts was called to serve as our Associate Minister in November of 2006 bringing with her vitality and a deep caring to minister to our mature members.

    As we look to the future, God continues to call us, to new ministries, and to continue to show the love God has made known to us in Christ.