Our History
Margaret “Maggie” McClellan Tourtelotte wrote a historical account of events in the life of the First Congregational Church of Woodstock in 1976, as part of the national bicentennial celebration. In her opening paragraph, she says:
“Like countless Congregational churches in New England, [the Hill Church] has never had an interruption in its existence. Though its life at times has been turbulent, at others languishing, yet to have let it die away would at all times have been unthinkable.”
Hill Church Timeline
A Journey Through Four Centuries of Faith
1620
The Mayflower lands at Plymouth, Massachusetts, marking the beginning of our colonial heritage.
1674
John Eliot of Roxbury visits the area that became Woodstock and preaches to the Wabbaquassets.
1686
The thirteen "Goers" arrive from Roxbury after King Philip's War and build Wabbaquasset Hall.
1690
Judge Samuel Sewall changes the town name from New Roxbury to Woodstock. Still part of Massachusetts.
1694
The new meetinghouse is built on Plaine Hill. Josiah Dwight, age 20 and Harvard graduate, becomes the first minister.
1721
A new, unheated meetinghouse is erected on the site of the present church at considerable cost to the town.
1749
Woodstock becomes part of Connecticut, along with the other "indented towns" along the Massachusetts border.
1775
The first choir is formed, adding music to our worship tradition.
1776
Rev. Abiel Leonard becomes chaplain in Washington's Continental Army during the Revolutionary War.
1801
Woodstock Academy is founded, establishing education as a community priority.
1820
The third, and present, meetinghouse is built - the building we worship in today.
1835
Heat is installed in the Hill Church for the first time - no more freezing during winter services!
1889
The meetinghouse is remodeled in high Victorian style with beautiful stained glass windows.
1905
The church purchases the house next door to the south as a parsonage for our ministers.
1938
The devastating Hurricane of 1938 blows off our steeple, which is rebuilt the following year.
1965
Colonial restoration of the sanctuary is completed, removing Victorian elements but preserving the John Eliot window.
1986
Town Tercentenary Celebration includes a visit from the mayor of Woodstock, England.
1990
The rear addition is dedicated, including the new Great Room, now named Harrison Hall.
2003
The church becomes an Open & Affirming Congregation, welcoming all people regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
2013
Rev. Jocelyn B. Gardner Spencer is called as the first female minister of the Hill Church.
2014
Solar panels are installed on Harrison Hall, demonstrating our commitment to environmental stewardship.