First Church Congregational, UCC was organized on October 29, 1729, and has been in continuous existence since then.

             

The first meetinghouse was erected by the Town and dedicated on August 28, 1728, near the burial ground on Meeting House Hill (opposite Holy Family Hospital).  The second meetinghouse was dedicated for public worship on November 3, 1796, and moved to the site of the present church in 1832.  The present edifice, built of Pelham granite and hand-hewn timbers from the 1796 building supporting the floor, was dedicated on October 3, 1855.

 

First Church is the home of the beautiful “Resurrection Window” by the artist, John LaFarge.  Fashioned of opalescent glass, this window is well known for its special beauty.  The apse was designed by the artist’s son to complement the window.

 

The 1886 James E. Treat (opus 2) pipe organ was built for E. Searle’s Great Barrington, MA residence.  It was relocated to the church and dedicated on October 12, 1924.  The case and console are constructed of solid, carved English oak. The organ contains 44 ranks of pipes distributed over three manuals (keyboards) and pedal. 

 

Our Parish Hall, erected by the parishioners grateful of their heritage, was dedicated on May 24, 1964.  This building is used extensively for both church and community activities.

 

Since its beginning, our church has witnessed many changes.  It has evolved from a small meetinghouse to membership in the United Church of Christ; from a parish of a few to a parish of several hundred.  First Church Congregational will continue its important mission to put God first, and to be God’s servant in the service of all people.

 

First Church Congregational, because of its historical significance and unique gothic architecture, is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

 

First Church Congregational is also home to The Chapel School, a non-denominational preschool and outreach ministry of First Church.​