Historic Devon Church is Saying Good-Bye

This is an ‘open letter’ to the Village of Devon, Milford and all within the community. The United Church of Christ in Devon has been part of the community since Devon was Naugatuck Junction. Worship began as ‘prayer meetings’ in homes. In 1908 the church was incorporated as the Devon Evangelical Association. Land was purchased and the society built a chapel on the corner of Naugatuck Avenue and Cottage Street. This became the Devon Chapel. The building still stands today.

That building served the community for many purposes not only as our church. It was sold in 1917 and the funds went to buying land on Pequot Street for the purpose of building what became known as The Devon Union Church.

My name is Nancy Wiggins Zellner. At 1 year old, I was baptized in that church in 1948. And I grew up in The Devon Union Church and in Devon. I am the current Church Council President.

In 1950 the current church sanctuary and Sunday School was constructed. The old church building became The Parish Hall until it was torn down in the early 1960s and the sanctuary added the current Parish Hall.

In the 1960s our congregational affiliation changed our name to The United Church of Christ in Devon as we have since been known. For 75 years our church has watched as children passed through our Sunday School. We’ve blessed couples in marriage and souls to final rest. Throughout it all we have been steadfast in our faith and in our dedication to the Village of Devon.

Time changes much. Sadly, over time our church attendance, as is the case worldwide, dwindled. And we are very sad. No, children’s voices echo in Sunday School. The congregation at worship is small and, for the most part, elderly.

It is with a heavy heart, we regrettably had to face the fact that our beloved church building on the corner or Ormond and Pequot is unsustainable for us. We are selling our building.

This church has deep roots in Devon. It has been our home. We want to support our small congregation completing our ministry in this building and fulfilling our legacy with grace and dignity.

Please know, Village of Devon, our decision was made for us as time took its toll. We are all grieving and bereft. The current worship shall continue in the interim. Until such time, please understand our situation.