REDEDICATION – STEEPLE HISTORY SPEECH, April 6, 2025

Pastor Carl and Belinda, Honored Guests, Members, and Friends,

Although first settled in 1648, West Farms – later West Haven – did not have its own church until 1719. Tired of the 12+ mile round trip to Center Church in New Haven, West Farmers got permission to found a church from the Connecticut. Colonial Legislature!  Remember, established religions were close to universal then.

               Our church - 306 years young - was the first organization of any kind in West Farms. The first bank and the first school in West Farms were run by our church.  Our sanctuary served as the original meeting place for West Farms, and our church was the original authority figure, because early government was a theocracy.

               The first public library in Connecticut was created by our pastor, Rev. Williston, and functioned from 1792 to 1909. In the invasion of West (& New) Haven on July 5, 1779, Rev. Williston broke his leg trying to escape with Church records and was being tormented by British soldiers, but British Adjutant Wm. Campbell rescued him.  Campbell’s mercy is why West Haven is the only city in America where the main avenue is named after an enemy soldier who invaded the town.

               The first sanctuary did not initially have a steeple – Congregants were called to church by a drummer - but later, a small one with a bell was added.  A new sanctuary was built in 1852-1853, but tragically burned down in 1859, but was rebuilt in 1860 for $10,000, and stands before you today- except for the Steeple.

               On November 25, 1950, a hurricane blew down the 90-year-old Steeple. I was 4 years old, and Mom and Dad drove me to see it. It was rebuilt at a cost of $100,000, and dedicated in 1952, with a concrete base and a steel support structure, and to which the Pilots association of New Haven Harbor donated – it was a navigation point. Many West Haveners also donated – as they did to this major repair and repainting, the first in over 35 years.  We now have a repair fund to keep it beautiful. After all, our Steeple is THE Historic Landmark of West Haven - recognized by the Connecticut State Legislature.

               We thank God and everyone involved for making it happen and pray that our Steeple spreads God’s light and love on our city for many years to come.  Thank you.

(Look at the History Case on the inner wall of Fellowship Hall for photos of the Steeple then and now after the ceremony.)

Stephen R. Hildrich, Church Historian

April 6, 2025