First Church of Christ, Congregational (Farmington, Connecticut) facts for kids
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First Church of Christ, Congregational
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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 Location in Connecticut
Location in the United States
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| Location | 75 Main Street, Farmington, Connecticut 06032 |
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| Built | 1771 |
| Architect | Judah Woodruff |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| Part of | Farmington Historic District (ID72001331) |
| NRHP reference No. | 75002056 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | May 15, 1975 |
| Designated NHL | May 15, 1975 |
| Designated CP | March 17, 1972 |
The First Church of Christ, Congregational, also known as First Church 1652, is a very old and important church located at 75 Main Street in Farmington, Connecticut. This beautiful church was built in 1771. It is designed in the Greek Revival style, which means it looks a bit like ancient Greek temples with its columns and grand appearance. In 1975, it was named a National Historic Landmark. This special title was given because of its important role in helping the Amistad Africans. These individuals stayed at the church before they were able to return to Africa.
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A Look Back at the Church's History
The First Church of Christ in Farmington started a very long time ago, in 1652. Its first pastor, or minister, was Roger Newton. He was the son-in-law of Thomas Hooker, who helped found the city of Hartford. After Roger Newton, Thomas Hooker's own son, Samuel, became the pastor.
Many important people were part of this church's history. One pastor, Noah Porter, started America's first group for missionaries, who travel to teach about their faith. He did this right in his own home! Noah Porter was also the father of two famous children:
- Sarah Porter, who started a well-known school called Miss Porter's School.
- Noah Porter, Jr., who later became the president of Yale University.
The Church Building
The building you see today is actually the third church building on this spot. It was built in 1771 and was first known as the Meeting House. The church was designed by Judah Woodruff. It has a tall, thin steeple on top of its bell tower that you can see from far away. Experts say the church is a wonderful example of its architectural style from that time period.
Helping Others: The Amistad Africans and the Underground Railroad
The First Church of Christ was involved in many important events that helped people.
- In the 1700s, the church started the first "Sabbath School" to teach Christianity to the local Tunxis Native American people.
- It was also a key stop on the Underground Railroad. This was a secret network of safe houses and routes that helped enslaved people escape to freedom before the American Civil War.
The church played a very special part in the famous case of the Amistad Africans. In 1839, a group of Africans were kidnapped and forced onto a Spanish ship called La Amistad. They bravely fought for their freedom. After a long legal battle, they were finally set free in 1841. Many of these Africans came to Farmington and stayed with a man named Austin Williams. While they were in Farmington, they attended services at this very church. The Amistad case was a major event for the abolitionist movement, which worked to end slavery in the United States.
A National Landmark
Because of its long history and its important role in events like the Amistad case, the church was officially named a National Historic Landmark in 1975. It is also part of the larger Farmington Historic District, which includes many other historic buildings in the area.
Today, First Church is part of the United Church of Christ group of churches.
See Also
