WHO WE ARE
Here's the deal. First Church cares about one thing more than anything else— Jesus Christ. First Church is a family of people that have found hope in Jesus through his love for us, and simply want as many people as possible to experience that exact same love and freedom we have found.
We are an Independent Congregational Church located in the West end of Torrington, CT. We are a Bible-believing congregation that is reaching out to our community with the love of Christ. We offer regular activities for families, Bible Studies for new Christians and discipleship courses for those seeking to grow in their Christian walk. Anyone who is seeking to make a personal difference in their own lives and in the lives of others is welcome. Join us this Sunday for worship.
We are called as Christ's Church to proclaim His Gospel and to live lives that reflect our Christian faith. We strive to inspire in others a love for Christ, a passion for righteousness and a recognition of their duties to God and their fellow man. We pledge our lives to Christ and covenant with one another to demonstrate His presence through worship, witness and ministry to the needs of the church and the community.
We are an Independent Congregational Church located in the West end of Torrington, CT. We are a Bible-believing congregation that is reaching out to our community with the love of Christ. We offer regular activities for families, Bible Studies for new Christians and discipleship courses for those seeking to grow in their Christian walk. Anyone who is seeking to make a personal difference in their own lives and in the lives of others is welcome. Join us this Sunday for worship.
We are called as Christ's Church to proclaim His Gospel and to live lives that reflect our Christian faith. We strive to inspire in others a love for Christ, a passion for righteousness and a recognition of their duties to God and their fellow man. We pledge our lives to Christ and covenant with one another to demonstrate His presence through worship, witness and ministry to the needs of the church and the community.
WHERE WE COME FROM
The first church in Torrington was founded on October 21, 1741 by 17 of the first settlers who came from Durham and Windsor, Connecticut, between 1732 and 1740. It did not have denominational name until after the death of Nathaniel Roberts, the first minister. The first Deacon of the the First Church of christ was Ebenezer Lyman Sr.
Before the first church Meeting House was built in 1749, services were held in homes and the Fort, which was built because of constant fear of Indians among the first settlers. The Meeting House was a framed building, 30-feet square, with 18-foot posts. It had a gallery and was known as the “Hemlock Church.”
The second Meeting House was called a “true Colonial church” and was entered through the south side instead of the end. It had double row of windows, a gallery on three sides, steeple, and belfry on the side toward the road on which it sat. The Reverend Lemuel Haynes, the first man of African blood to be ordained in America, was minister when the members voted to be called Congregationalists in 1787. This church at Torrington Green came to be known as the Congregational Church of Torrington. After Wolcottville became Torrington, it was called the First Congregational Church to distinguish it from the church in Torringford.
This rich and long history has steadily seen growth of the church in the community. Now, here in the 21st Century the church is one of the community. We look forward to the church's continued growth within Torrington and the surrounding area of NW Connecticut. Our history would not be complete without recognizing the many dedicated people who have given of their time, talents and finances to support First Church for over 275 years.
Before the first church Meeting House was built in 1749, services were held in homes and the Fort, which was built because of constant fear of Indians among the first settlers. The Meeting House was a framed building, 30-feet square, with 18-foot posts. It had a gallery and was known as the “Hemlock Church.”
The second Meeting House was called a “true Colonial church” and was entered through the south side instead of the end. It had double row of windows, a gallery on three sides, steeple, and belfry on the side toward the road on which it sat. The Reverend Lemuel Haynes, the first man of African blood to be ordained in America, was minister when the members voted to be called Congregationalists in 1787. This church at Torrington Green came to be known as the Congregational Church of Torrington. After Wolcottville became Torrington, it was called the First Congregational Church to distinguish it from the church in Torringford.
This rich and long history has steadily seen growth of the church in the community. Now, here in the 21st Century the church is one of the community. We look forward to the church's continued growth within Torrington and the surrounding area of NW Connecticut. Our history would not be complete without recognizing the many dedicated people who have given of their time, talents and finances to support First Church for over 275 years.
WHERE WE're headed
More than ever, First Church is committed to fostering a family built around the hope and love of Christ. And as we move forward as a church family, belonging remain at the center of who we are as followers of Christ.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU
What does this mean for you? Most importantly, you're always welcome at First Church. We're saving a seat for you. Wherever you're at in your faith journey, you'll always be accepted as part of the First Church family.
Beyond that, if you are ready to plan a visit, click here. If you want to learn more about our beliefs as a church, click here, Or if you'd simply like to get in touch with a person on your leadership team, click the button below.
Beyond that, if you are ready to plan a visit, click here. If you want to learn more about our beliefs as a church, click here, Or if you'd simply like to get in touch with a person on your leadership team, click the button below.
SO THAT ALL PEOPLE WILL EXPERIENCE THE LOVE OF CHRIST