Churches are special places that can hold a lot of history. There's something so enchanting about being in a centuries-old place of worship. You can learn a lot about a town's culture and past in a beautiful old church. Due to Connecticut's extensive colonial history, we have a lot of old churches here. One that stands apart is the First Church of Christ, also known as Center Church, in Hartford. This place has one of the oldest congregations in the state, and is also one of the oldest churches in Connecticut.
This congregation was started by Thomas Hooker. You may recognize his name: he founded the colony of Connecticut. Hooker was the group's first pastor.
The current building is actually the congregation's fourth. Constructed in 1807, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Just beside the church lies the Ancient Burying Ground. This cemetery dates all the way back to the 1640s. The oldest surviving tombstone there is from 1648.
Thomas Hooker is buried in this historic cemetery. It is also the final resting place of quite a few Connecticut governors.
Several stained glass windows were installed in the church between 1881 and 1903.
Amazingly, the church has only had five organs in its history. The most recent was built in 1954 and renovated in 2004. The church tower bell was cast in England in 1633.
Today, the First Church of Christ is affiliated with the United Church of Christ denomination.
Did you know this was one of the oldest churches in Connecticut? You can find out more information from The First Church of Christ's website or Facebook. Services are currently being streamed weekly if you'd like to see more of this gorgeous building.
Can't get enough of Connecticut history? Check out the story of the oldest bar in Connecticut -- it first opened its doors in 1776!
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