Our History - 1952-Present

Building Toward the Future

The annual meeting of January 10, 1952 reflected the growing needs of the church in the appointment of a Building Committee to go ahead with plans for a new church and church school building. The first meeting of this committee was held soon after the Reverend Alan Bradford Hutchinson became pastor of the church in September of 1952. The committee immediately began work on selecting a site for the new building. The death of Rodman Price, one of the prime movers in the building program, was a cause for deep sorrow. Under the leadership of Thomas J. Kile, the committee interviewed architects, made a survey of the church's assets, and completed the vast amount of ground work necessary to such an ambitious undertaking.

In 1954, the site having been settled upon, the first building fund campaign was carried to a successful completion. Richard Chatterton assumed the leadership of the committee following the untimely death of Thomas J. Kile, who had labored tirelessly in serving the church. Plans were approved and construction started in 1955. An active and enthusiastic Men's Club was organized and worked toward the completion of our new building. With the dedication and support of our church members and friends, this was accomplished and our lovely new church was completely paid for. The new church, with its increased facilities and architectural beauty, is a tribute to the prayers and labors of the people of New Fairfield.

The 1960s Brings More Building

In 1965, the Reverend Alan Bradford Hutchinson resigned to return to school for post graduate work on a full-time basis. During the thirteen years of his pastorate, the church membership increased significantly and church school attendance increased to an unprecedented 232 by 1966.

The need for an addition to the existing building became apparent to all. On April 25, 1965, a seven member Building Committee was formed and co-chaired by Guy McKinstry and Leonard Taylor. The 6,382 square foot addition provided space for church school classrooms, Pilgrim Hall, a stage, kitchen, a church parlor, and a Thrift Shop

The Congregational Service Club sponsored a Variety Show in June 1967 for the benefit of the new addition. These shows, known as 90 Minutes from Broadway, were presented for ten years to help the church complete payment on its addition while providing an opportunity for good fellowship.

The church school also helped with the building project. In the fall of 1967, the children participated in a "Buy-a-Brick" program where each 50 cents collected was marked in a brick on a duplicate picture of the church. This was a way of involving the whole church family in the process of completing the church addition.

The 1970s Brings a New Covenant

The Reverend Frederick E. Poorbaugh was called to serve the church in 1972. Under his leadership, a new Covenant of Membership was approved at the December 6, 1973 annual meeting. This was the first update to the covenant since April 22, 1758! This covenant, which follows, continues to serve us well as we gather for worship in Christ's name.

Mindful of God's call to live as brothers and sisters within the Church, we form this congregation in New Fairfield, and make together this our solemn covenant:

We believe in God: the Creator of stars and earth and our Creator; the Christ, Jesus of Nazareth, our crucified and risen Lord; and the Counselor who speaks within our souls.

We promise to live in God's way.

We will try to care for one another spiritually, sharing joys and sorrows, and committing ourselves to regular worship and prayer.

We will seek to grow in the knowledge and love of God, carefully attending to the Scriptures and to the events of our days and nights.

We will strive to hear and fulfill our mission to love and serve others, most of all the suffering and the stranger.

We accept the life, health and talents which we hold in trust from God, and pledge to use them as faithful stewards of God's work.

This covenant we make in free conscience, trusting that by God's grace we shall honor it.

The Reverend Angus H. Gelston became pastor of the church in 1975. Mr. Gelston was committed to Christian education and evangelism and invested a great deal of time and energy into the youth program. Indeed, working with the youth has been a long-standing commitment of the church.

The 1980s and 1990s

Shortly after Mr. Gelston moved on to serve a church in Pennsylvania, the church decided to purchase a new organ which was dedicated on November 14, 1982. This instrument served as a symbol of renewal and vitality in the life of the church. (Note: Another organ purchase is currently underway with the hopes of having it installed in the latter portion of 2003 or early 2004).

Dr. James L. Stoner of the Foundation for Christian Living in Pawling, New York, and his wife Janice served the church in an interim capacity from 1982-1983. The Stoners helped the church affirm and build on its strengths for the future.

The Reverend David Hughes was called to be pastor of the church in 1983. In partnership with a strong lay leadership, his time as pastor was marked by substantial growth in both numbers and spirit with special attention being given to Christian education, missions, and fellowship. During Mr. Hughes' pastorship, the church began a series of summer plays involving the youth of the church and town. After 14 years serving the church (the second longest in our history), Mr. Hughes decided to move on and serve a church in his native Massachusetts.

Dr. Robert Polk served the congregation in an interim capacity from 1997-1998. Dr. Polk used his time to focus the church on its own growth and helped the congregation put in place goals for the future.

The Present

In 1998, the Reverend Patricia Nicholas was called as pastor of the church and still serves as our present pastor. Her time has been marked by substantial growth in the services undertaken and provided by the church. Her tenure has seen the creation of a capital fund raising campaign designed to raise funds to fix and repair our church building and replacement of the church's furnace. It has also seen the replacement of our aged organ in 2003.

The Congregational Church of New Fairfield has been blessed by a rich and fruitful history - a history which we hope to build upon as we seek to serve in the name of Christ.