Prominent Southington Church Celebrating Massive Birthday

SOUTHINGTON, CT — 2024 is a really big year for one of the town's most prominent churches — the First Congregational Church of Southington.

That's because it is celebrating its 300th anniversary, a special birthday that dates back to before the United States was, even, born.

As a result, starting this spring and into the year, the church is hosting several celebrations, events, and commemorations on this very special occasion.

They are as follows:

• T-shirts, sweatshirts, and other 300th-anniversary items are available to purchase as the church has created a temporary online store with Southington Athletic.

Click here to view the items available for purchase and order online.

"We have sample items available to view at the church if you want to take a look at the items before you order," wrote the church in an announcement.

A volunteer will be available to take orders in person after worship on Sunday, March 31.

The deadline for all orders is Monday, April 1 at midnight.

• One of the biggest days of the year is Sunday, May 6, with the 300th anniversary worship service.

Community members will celebrate the 300th anniversary at the meetinghouse at 10:15 a.m., 37 Main St., Southington.

There will be special music featuring each of its music groups at the First Congregational Church of Southington.

• The church will also host a formal dinner at the Aquaturf Club in Plantsville to "celebrate in style," according to church officials.

Tickets are on sale now for the event, which is Monday, May 6, at the prominent local banquet hall, 556 Mulberry St., Plantsville.

Doors open at 6 p.m. and dinner will be served at 6:45 p.m.

The program will include a keynote speaker, Rev. Dr. Sarah B. Drummond, the Founding Dean of Andover Newton Seminary at Yale Divinity School.

Adult tickets are $60 each. A child (age 5-11) ticket is $15. A full table for 10 is available for $600.

"We want everyone to feel welcome at this dinner and don't want the price to be a barrier to joining," wrote the church. "We are selling subsidized adult tickets at $30 each."

If this reduced price is still out of reach, they can contact church Paster Ron Brown.

"Thanks to the generosity of many in the congregation there is assistance available to provide complimentary tickets to those with financial need," wrote the church.

People can purchase tickets in person on Sunday mornings at church or by calling the church office at 860-628-6958. The office is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• There is also a program book for the 300th anniversary and the church is currently selling ad space for it.

A full-page ad is $300. Half a page is $150. The quarter page is $75. The special rate of a quarter page for churches and other faith communities is $25.

The deadline to be included in our printed program book is Wednesday, April 17.

Click here for the form for an ad in the program book.

• The church is also hosting a special community block party in May to celebrate the 300th.

The cap celebration will be on Sunday, May 19.

In worship that morning, the church will welcome Rev. Darrell Goodwin to the pulpit at First Congregational Church of Southington.

Goodwin is the executive conference minister for the Southern New England Conference, UCC.

"He is an engaging preacher and inspiring leader," wrote the church. "We look forward to having him join us in worship."

After worship that day, the church will celebrate with a community block party from 1 to 4 p.m. with live music, inflatables, a dunk tank, and other special treats to share.

All are welcome.

For more information on the First Congregational Church of Southington, click on this link.