Preparing for a big anniversary: Congregational church performs renovations
by Mark Jahne
Editor
Photos by Judy Harting/Hartling Consulting
The Rocky Hill Congregational Church will mark its 300th anniversary next year. Its leaders are taking advantage of that landmark event to change some things for the better.
The sanctuary recently reopened after being closed for renovations. A service of celebration and rededication was held. The special guest and keynote preacher was the Rev. Leslie Jackson, Southern New England conference minister for the United Church of Christ.
“We now declare this new space solely for Your glory,” church Moderator Sue Chatfield said.
The church strives to play an active role in the wider community and members of the congregation were encouraged to support the Covenant to Care for Children school supply drive.
Jackson’s remarks included praise for Pastor David Figliuzzi, calling him an innovative and creative spiritual leader. He predicted growth for the local church.
“Our best days are ahead,” he proclaimed.
He encouraged the congregation not to feel uncomfortable with change because “after 300 years you have changed many times along the way.” The renovations may be complete, but this is no time to sit back and relax.
“We have a beautiful sanctuary. What is it for? When is the Lord in the place? God was already here,” Jackson said. “The sanctuary is a place where we remember where we meet God.”
The Rocky Hill Congregational Church was founded in 1727, which is 49 years before the former British colonies declared independence and created the United States of America.
“Through all of it, people kept praying here,” he added. “You remodeled it to prepare for mission.”
Jackson spoke of the many people in these modern times who feel lonely and disconnected. Churches can help them live better lives.
“Let us open these doors even wider … the journey continues,” he said.
Figliuzzi encouraged the congregation to “carry each other’s burden and share each other’s joy.”
A highlight of the day was liturgical music sung by Jermaine Woodard Jr. The professional singer performs in musicals, churches, chorales and more. He sang with power and passion.
Architect George Fellner of Fellner Architects in East Haddam was also in attendance. He met with church leaders to determine what they wanted from this project.
The result was that he designed the changes that included opening up the altar area and removing the large pulpit that stood high above that altar and installing a smaller version of it at floor level to create space for the choir and other groups and activities.
The new sanctuary also features an improved traffic flow and handicapped ramp leading to the open altar space.
“You have an ample and wide step. It also serves as a stage so that it can be a multi-functional place,” Fellner said.
The front row of pews was removed as part of this redesign. New carpentry was installed, a dedicated space was designed for the bell choir and the old pulpit was cut down to a smaller size.
He added that it’s all about revitalizing and rejuvenating the space.
Its website describes the church as an open and affirming family of faith open to all people regardless of their age, race, gender, national origin, faith background, marital status, family structure, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, mental and physical ability, economic and social status, and more.
“Our church family has diverse religious backgrounds, social justice interests, talents and treasures,” it states.
“We are part of the United Church of Christ, a mainline progressive Protestant denomination. Though we are bound to other churches of our denomination for mutual support and accountability, like all UCC churches we are an autonomous local church, making our own decisions about our worship life, organization and program.”
The Rocky Hill Congregational Church is located at 805 Old Main St. To learn more call 860-529-4167 or visit rhccucc.org.