Poquonock Community Church, Congregational

Historically, the Poquonock Community Church is actually the Second Congregational Church of Poquonock, founded June 2, 1841. The "First Church" was founded in 1726 and lasted until 1820. At that point, unfortunately, the "First Church" entered a very dark period of intemperance and a loss of morals. The meeting house was literally left "to rack and ruin."

Early in 1840, a Rev. Hempstead (Old records do not give us a first name) was the first to suggest the formation of "Second Church." The response to his suggestion was much less than enthusiastic. Later that same year, a highly motivational speaker arrived on the scene, named John Ripley Adams.

An ordained minister, Rev. Adams was the great-grandson of John Adams, Second U. S. President, and therefore, grandson of our Sixth U. S. President, John Quincy Adams. By the following spring, Rev. Adams led the people in founding the Second Congregational Church of Poquonock. Rev. Adams' pastorate was the shortest in our church's history, less than a year, but it will always be the most far-reaching. Were it not for his first pastorate, everything that took place since then could not have otherwise happened.

The meeting house was constructed and the church was officially dedicated on April 12, 1854. Horace Bushnell was one of the honored guests at this dedication.

Over the years, three pastors have served what could be called "Long Pastorates." William Carr served 1907 - 1922 (15 Years); Victor Greenwood served 1922 - 1938 (16 Years); and James Silver served 1968 - 1999 (30 Years, 9 months), the longest pastorate in our church's history.

Special mention should be made of Pastor Nathan Merwin (1889 - 1898). Several years into his retirement, his wife died. Mrs. Merwin had been so much loved by the church family that Pastor Merwin gave our church the gift of electricity. Meetings, socials and other gatherings could now take place at night instead of being restricted to daylight hours.

Women have always played a significant role in the success of the church. Within one month of its founding, June 2, the women organized themselves and got involved in various projects to make money for church maintenance and decorative up-keep. That energy and dedication continues to this very day. In addition, women hold several key positions in the hierarchy of the church family.

Over time, the Second Congregation Church of Poquonock expanded its outreach into the community. As a result, an act of the Connecticut Legislature officially changed its name, in 1924, to Poquonock Community Church, Congregational.

The current pastor is Rev. Lloyd  R. Thompson.