The Congregational Church in Exeter facts for kids
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The Congregational Church in Exeter
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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The Congregational Church in Exeter, UCC
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 Location in New Hampshire
Location in the United States
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| Location | 21 Front St., Exeter, New Hampshire, United States |
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| Built | 1798 |
| Architect | Clifford, Ebenezer; Johnson, Bradbury |
| Part of | Front Street Historic District (ID73000270) |
| NRHP reference No. | 71000052 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | September 10, 1971 |
| Designated CP | July 5, 1973 |
The Congregational Church in Exeter is a church in Exeter, New Hampshire. It is part of the United Church of Christ. This church is located on Front Street.
The church community first came together in 1638. This happened when Reverend John Wheelwright started it. He had to leave the Massachusetts Bay Colony before this.
The church you see today is a mix of two older churches. These were the First Parish and Second Parish of Exeter. The Second Parish separated from the First Parish in the 1700s. This was during a time called the First Great Awakening. They had different ideas about religion. The two churches then joined back together in 1920.
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Important People and History
Early Members and Their Impact
Many important people were part of this church. Nicholas Gilman was a member. He was one of the people who signed the Declaration of Independence.
During the time the two churches were separate, Phillips Exeter Academy was started. John Phillips and other members of the Second Parish founded it. Today, the Phillips Exeter Academy chapel is in the old Second Parish building.
Another church member, Amos Tuck, worked hard to end slavery. He held meetings about this important topic at the church.
The Church Today
Today, the church has many active members. It offers a Sunday School for kids. It also has different programs to help the community. These are called mission and outreach programs.
The current Senior Pastor is Reverend Dr. E. Carrington Heath. He is also an author. The church is part of the United Church of Christ. Since 1996, it has been an Open and Affirming church. This means it actively welcomes people who are LGBTQ+.
The church also works with a church in Pfizda, Zimbabwe. They help prepare homes for refugees coming to New Hampshire. They also give money to many local non-profit groups.
The Church Building
Building Design and Changes
The church building is at 21 Front Street in Exeter, New Hampshire. It was built in 1798. About 400 people can sit inside. This is the fifth building the church community has used. Ebenezer Clifford, a local builder, designed it.
The building has some special features. Its roof is shaped like a pyramid. This was one of the first roofs of its kind on a church in New Hampshire. Also, you could only enter the church through the front. Older churches often had entrances on three sides.
In 1838, the inside of the building was changed. Old-fashioned box pews were removed. The gallery, which was like a balcony, became a full second floor. Now, the main worship area is on the upper level. Meeting rooms and other spaces are downstairs. In 1930, an addition was built at the back. This made the church building more square.
Special Items and Recognition
The church building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. It is also part of the Front Street Historic District.
Inside the church, you can find some interesting things. There is a pew where Abraham Lincoln once sat. He visited his son at the nearby Phillips Exeter Academy. You can also see a portrait of Lincoln. There is also a portrait of Reverend Wheelwright, who started the church.
The church has a large organ. It is an Aeolian-Skinner organ. It was put in place in 1951. Next to the church, there is a small garden. It is a memorial garden that is still used. Some important town leaders, Folsom and Gilman, are buried there.
In Books
The church building appears in a book by John Irving. His 1989 novel is called A Prayer for Owen Meany. John Irving grew up attending this church.
See also
