TAFTVILLE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH HISTORY
It was just after the Civil War ended in about 1865 that Edward Taft, originator of the Ponemah Mills building complex, arrived from Providence and purchased land here. It is a credit to Mr. Taft and his associates to say that they had great vision. There were four large farms located in the area, the Ripley farm being in closest proximity to this Church. A vast pastoral area encompassed this entire scene. Perhaps these men saw in their view of the river that the building of a dam would enable the harnessing of water power and would provide the means to building a large textile mill complex. The Village was planned to be methodically laid with avenues horizontal and streets vertical, Providence Street being the central street of the Village. In the spring of 1866 the dam and mill were started. Once begun, the 'vision' became a reality. This large structure that lies along the street called Route 97 rose rapidly to become the largest industrial cotton textile industry in the nation.
The manufacturing project attracted settlers to the community. Soon these families realized among other needs their desire of religious fellowship. Samuel Prentice whose farm was located about one mile to the south of the Village was the thrust behind the decision to form a church of the Congregational order on June 5,1867. It was on December 3, 1867 that the Ecclesiastical Society of the Taftville Congregational Church was officially formed in Connecticut. Samuel Prentice became the first deacon and served in that capacity for 27 years. Although the church and Sunday School met in the farmhouse, then at Wequonnoc School, and finally at Ponemah Hall, Sam Prentice never ceased in his efforts to find a permanent church home. His tireless efforts to acquire funds in small amounts, contributing much of his own, and carefully seeing to their investment for the construction of a church building were realized during his lifetime, but Deacon Sammy died in 1904 before the building became a reality.
After the formal dedication of the new church with elaborate ceremonies on the weekend of January 20 and 21, 1906, there was a new spirit in the church. Various organizations sprang up in the church- a men's group, teens activities, ladies groups,--showing the pride of its members in the brand new church and the delight of its members in being together.
During this Twentieth Century many persons were chosen by God to continue to work for the necessities of the church, and to this present time, when a need becomes apparent, a person of the congregation will materialize, work for funds, and turn the need into a reality.
1924: Installation of a pipe organ.
1954: Basement of the church was transformed into a recreation room with a stage by the men of the church and later a kitchen added.
1961: Voted to become a participating member of the United Church of Christ.
1964: A Memorial Organ was dedicate at a special service. Memorial Chimes were added to the organ to honor those who served in World Wars.
1964: A Board for Memorial Gifts was established.
1979: A Memorial Outdoor Bulletin, was dedicated to all those whose lives were remembered in contributions to the memorial Fund.
1980: A Winifred Troeger Scholarship Fund was established as a memorial tot he forty years she served as organist
1984: The Church was made handicapped-accessible while correcting a condition of drainage and sidewalk deterioration about the front and sides of the church.
1986: In keeping with its distinction of being the 'green church', the interior of the sanctuary was painted and green carpets were laid enhancing the lovely stain-glass windows and complementing the unique color of the church. A safer approach to the altar and choir loft was constructed at this time.
2001: Property behind church was sold to TVCCA to build a Childcare Center.
2004: A move toward the planning stages of a major renovation to the basement to increase accessibility for our disabled as well as increasing the viability of our Christian community.
2005: Bids have gone out for the renovation project of the basement.
During these 125 years, this Church has encouraged many to find here a home of Christian strength, fellowship, service, and love. It has opened its doors to many organizations and has embraced many missionary projects. We continue to build this Monument to God in Taftville.
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PASTORS OF THE CHURCH
There were times when some pastors served in our church when important events occurred.
They rose to the occasion and led us through these important times
Rev. W. A. Benedict - March 1867-October 1867
Rev. H. A. Tracy - October 1867-October 1868
Rev. W. A. Benedict - October 1868-October 1870
Rev. John T. Rea - October 1871-October 1872
Rev. Charles L. Ayer - October 1872-October 1874
Rev. George Dodson - October 1874-February 1876
Rev. T. Melbourne May - March 1876-March 1877
Rev. Albert C. Hurd - June 1877-January 1883
Rev. E. P. Armstrong - June 1883-December 1885
Rev. W. F. Warren - December 1885-February 1887
Rev. George N. Kellogg - September 1887-November 1894
Rev. Samuel Noon - May 1895-March 1896
Rev. William Carr - July 1896-November 1907
He held the position of pastor during the time when the building of the church was in progress,
a momentous occasion in the church at that time.
Rev. Donald B. MacLane - February 1908-February 1914
Rev. Arthur Varley - August 1914-April 1922
Rev. Edwin Crowdis - October 1922-February 1928
Rev. William Penner - February 1929-October 1938
Was active with Sunday School and youth groups..
Over 100 children attended Sunday School and took part in other children’s activities
in the church. Many adults took teaching positions.
Rev. Earl Matthewson - February 1939-March 1944
Rev. B. Paul Pardy - September 1944-September 1949
Adult members of the church organized a group called the Cheerio Club that met one Saturday a month
during the World War II years. At first the purpose of the Club was to write letters
and send gifts to our servicemen.
After the war, the Group continued to meet for dinners and other entertainment.
Rev. William Farnsworth - September 1950-February 1954
Rev. Albert M. Pennybacker - July 1957-September 1957
Led us to the understanding of what membership in the United Church of Christ (UCC) meant,
and to eventually become members of it.
Rev. Robert Buxbaum - February 1958-March 1960
Rev. John Kiraly - August 1960-August 1962
Rev. Arthur Dunham - May 1963-January 1974
Rev. Gordon R. Vought - September 1974-March 1978
Rev. Dr. Robert K. Loesch - September 1978-January 1983
Rev. Craig "Scott" Raeburn - August 1983-1993
A group called “Green House Growers” was formed during this ministry.
The main entrance was made handicapped-accessible during this period of time.
The 125th anniversary of the Church’s founding was celebrated with year-long activities
and banquets to celebrate the precise beginnings of the church in 1867.
A large picture of the church congregation was taken by Rene Dugas, Jr. on a spring Sunday at the front of the church.
Rev. Rose-Lee Amodeo Petronella - April 1996-January 2001
Rev. Rose has the distinction of being the first woman minister in the history of our church.
Rev. Mike Ader - April 2001-January 2004
Rev. Steve Burt - February 2004-May 2004
Rev. Mark D. Pilletere - June 2004-March 2007
A Minister, whom led the congregation through a time of renewing the downstairs.
Ironically, this renewal and refurbishing of our church had occurred while we were
celebrating the 100th year of the building of our church.
Rev. Jack Shackles - Interim Pastor - June 2007 - Present
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