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 called First Church 1652, is a very old church in Farmington, Connecticut. It is located at 75 Main Street. This church was built in 1771. It is known for its Greek Revival architecture style. In 1975, it was named a National Historic Landmark. This was because the church helped the Amistad Africans. They stayed here before going back to Africa.
Contents
History of First Church
The First Church of Christ in Farmington started in 1652. Its first pastor was Roger Newton. He was the son-in-law of Hartford founder Thomas Hooker. Hooker's son, Samuel, later became a pastor too.
Important Leaders and Their Impact
One important pastor was Noah Porter. He started America's first foreign missionary society. This group worked to spread Christianity in other countries. He started it right in his own home. Noah Porter was also the father of two famous people:
- Sarah Porter, who started Miss Porter's School. This is a well-known school for girls.
- Noah Porter, Jr., who became the president of Yale University. Yale is a very famous university.
The Church Building
The church building you see today is the third one built on this spot. It was finished in 1771. The church was designed by Judah Woodruff. Its tall, thin steeple can be seen from far away. People say the church is a great example of its building style and time period.
Helping Others: From Tunxis Indians to the Amistad Africans
The church began the first "Sabbath School" in the 1700s. This school was for the local Tunxis Native Americans. It taught them about Christianity. The church was also a key part of the Underground Railroad. This was a secret network that helped enslaved people escape to freedom.
The church became famous for its role in the La Amistad case. In 1839, a group of Africans revolted on a Spanish ship called La Amistad. They had been kidnapped and forced into slavery. When these Africans were set free in 1841, they came to Farmington. They stayed with a man named Austin Williams. While they were in Farmington, they attended this church. The Amistad case was very important for the abolitionist movement. This movement worked to end slavery in the United States.
National Recognition
Because of its important history, the church was named a National Historic Landmark in 1975. This means it is a place of special historical importance in the United States. It is also part of the larger Farmington Historic District.
First Church is connected to the United Church of Christ.
See also
