The New Preston Congregational Church
A bit of history...
The New Preston Congregational Church, nestled in the picturesque town of New Preston, Connecticut, has a rich history dating back to the late 18th century. Founded in 1781, the church emerged as a beacon of faith and community in the region during a time of great change.
THE VILLAGE OF NEW PRESTON was settled in 1746 by folk migrating west from the town of Preston, in eastern Connecticut. A parish was formed in 1753, and in 1757 the First Ecclesiastical Society and the First Congregational Church of New Preston were established. In January of that year a church was organized when forty people residing at that time in the section of New Milford known as the "North Purchase" petitioned
the General Assembly of Connecticut claiming that since they were living "from seven to ten miles from their places of worship in New Milford and Kent" they should be allowed the privilege of organizing their own church. Permission was granted, and in 1754 the first building, made of logs, was built; a second church, a frame building, was constructed in 1766, and the third, the present Stone Church, was built in 1824.
As industries developed along the East Aspetuck, the village grew in the valley. In 1853 a portion of the parish membership withdrew from the Stone Church, and as the Waramaug Congregational Meeting House Association, founded and erected a Village Church, which is presently our New Preston Congregational Church.
In 1866, following the close of the Civil War, the Church purchased an adjoining property, Union Hall (erected in 1850), as a Parsonage, and used it as such for the next hundred years. The Parsonage is presently a rental property used by the church as a means of supporting its operation.
Over the many years the New Preston Congregational Church has nurtured and spiritually uplifted generations oflocal families and summer visitors. It remains a simple church in the typical New England tradition of beautiful congregational edifices. A few years ago, in an effort to bring the community a resource in which to gather for fellowship, an addition was built to the church building.
The Congregation welcomes all who wish to worship with them. Through its presence in the community the Church is committed to bringing help and solace to all who are in need. Through its missions it hopes to make the world a better place in which to live.The church also fosters cultural and educational endeavors, hosting lectures, concerts, and gatherings that enriched the lives of its members and neighbors, in addition to baptisms, weddings, and funerals.
The New Preston Congregational Church is a member of the United Church of Christ, The Litchfield South Association of the Connecticut Conference and is active in ecumenical services throughout the area.
