Our History
Chester became a chartered township on February 5, 1721. Soon after
that, the first settlers of the town made plans for a public place
of worship. The First Church Congregational was established in 1730
and the first meetinghouse built in 1731.
In 1772, the Congregational parish voted at their annual meeting in
March to build a new meetinghouse within the next two years on this
current site. In the early 1940's, the First Baptist Church of
Chester decided to give up independent support of a church building,
due to dwindling membership, but wished to continue its existence as
a Chester congregation rather than disperse to Baptist churches in
other towns. Upon invitation of the Congregational Church of
Chester, an agreement was worked out , and this agreement has
continued with exceptional harmony and is still in effect. The two
churches agreed to act as one congregation and to support one
ministry, but each retains its own denominational affiliation
(United Church of Christ and The American Baptist).
Through the years, the Chester Congregational and Baptist Churches
have had a dedicated ministry of many laypersons and pastors working
together to the glory of God. In worship, in planning for the
future, in mission outreach, in teaching, in maintenance, in caring
for one another, the Spirit of Christ has been reflected in the
commitment and remembrances of so many. It is with deep gratitude
for that commitment and Spirit which continues to exist, that we
look to the future with hope and faith.
Two Hundred and Seventy Five
Years!
In October of 2006, we celebrated 275 years! In honor of that event,
Mrs. Joanne Millsaps compiled the history of the church, which was
published by the Chester Historical Society.
Click here to read our history
in it’s entirety!
