Welcome to Haddam Neck Congregational Church
Open and Affirming - All Are Welcome!
Worship services
Worship Services during the month of June begin at 10 a.m. in our Haddam Neck Congregational Church sanctuary. We welcome our friends from 2nd Congregational Church of Middle Haddam and all who would like to join us!
About Us
Who We Are
Haddam Neck Congregational Church
408 Quarry Hill Road
Haddam Neck, Connecticut 06424
Our doors are open to all. Please join us for our weekly community service at 10 a.m. followed by coffee hour during the month of June and at 2nd Congregational Church of Middle Haddam during the month of July. Whoever you are, wherever you are on life's journey, you are welcome here.
We have been serving the Haddam Neck and Middle Haddam communities since 1740. Our worship centers on God in Jesus Christ through the Bible. We celebrate the sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion on the first Sunday of the month and Easter. We offer the rites of confirmation, marriage and celebration of passing for the departed.
We are a small congregation, which makes the interaction between visitors and members easy and informal. Join us for Sunday worship followed by coffee and a snack in our historic school house building.
We are active in the International Heifer Project, Northern Middlesex Habitat for Humanity, the local Food Bank and host an annual quilt show, fall turkey dinner and other fun community events.
To reach The Haddam Neck Congregational Church turn off Route 151 onto Haddam Neck Road and then follow the signs to the church on Quarry Hill Road. (Please note, there are two Quarry Hill Roads in the area, ours is the 06424 location!)
Minister - James A. Simpson
(860) 267-8606 Cell (860) 301-4124 James_4058@yahoo.com
Clerk -Melissa Pionzio, 860-993-5311
mapionzio@comcast.net
Treasurer - James Yuille, 860-301-6037
Music Director -Frances Dallas 860-267-4513, frankydallas@sbcglobal.net
Deacons - Darcy Stevens Yuille, Elizabeth Hart Malloy, Jill Walker,
Eileen Brooks, Harry Nilsen, Emeritis
Trustees - David Malloy, James Yuille,
Melissa Pionzio
Coffee Hour Guests, Weddings, Funerals, Baptisms
We welcome guests who would like to speak during the coffee hour following most services and to utilize our church space for your needs regardless of your religious affiliation. Please contact the Minister.
Historic And Moving Forward
The history of the congregation dates back to 1738, when Haddam Neck residents, tired of having to travel across the river to attend religious services, petitioned the Connecticut General Assembly to establish their own ecclesiastical society. They were joined in this petition by the residents of Middle Haddam, a village of East Hampton. In May 1740, the petition was granted. On Sept. 23,1740, the First Congregational Church of Middle Haddam was formed. On Dec. 16,1740, sixteen men and thirteen women owned the church covenant. In 1744,the first church building was erected on Hog Hill - half way between the two communities. This building was later replaced in 1813 by another edifice near Hurd Park. Middle Haddam residents withdrew in 1855 to form their own congregation, the Second Congregational Church of Middle Haddam, while Haddam Neck residents continued to meet in the Hog Hill Meetinghouse. In 1873, Haddam Neck residents received the funds to build a new building, the present Gothic Revival-style church in Haddam Neck on a bluff overlooking the Connecticut River. It was built at the foot of School House Hill and dedicated on Sept. 3, 1874. It was built with funds left by Edward Davis Clark with the provision that the church be located near the school building. The builder was A. H. Allen of Portland and the total cost of the building and site was $6000. The church has had little modification except for the removal of the original pipe organ and installation of a barrier-free access ramp. The church parish house was Haddam Neck’s schoolhouse. Built in 1822, it stood across the street from its present location at the bottom of Schoolhouse Hill Road. It was moved next to the congregational church, in 1916. When Haddam closed the school in 1925, the property reverted to the Sydney Brooks family, whose heirs donated the land and building to the church. The building is listed on the State Register of Historic Places.The Lutheran and Methodist-Episcopal churches united with Haddam Neck Church in 1914 to form the Haddam Neck Federated Church. In 1945, the church voted to change its name to the Haddam Neck Congregational Church. From 1941 to 1969, the church was yoked with the Second Congregational Church of Middle Haddam. In May 1961, the church voted to become a member of the United Church of Christ, a union in 1957 of the Evangelical and Reformed churches of the Midwest and Congregational-Christian churches of New England and other parts of the country.
Faith Affirmations
The church is a member of the Middlesex Association and Connecticut Conference of the United Church of Christ. Ours is a congregational form of church policy, meaning that the covenant members are responsible with the Holy Spirit for the church’s faith, life, ministry and mission. The faith affirmations of the United Church of Christ are:
- That the church may be one.
- In essentials unity, in non-essentials diversity, in all things love.
- Testimonies rather than tests of faith.
- Continuing revelation from God's Holy Word
- The priesthood of all believers.
- Covenant membership
- Dialogue within the church.
- The United Church of Christ is Christian, Reformed, Congregational and Evangelical.
Resources and Weddings
Tranquil and Accessible
Haddam Neck Congregational Church is a 144-year-old Gothic Revival style Church - a lovely place for any wedding. We have tried to maintain the beautiful historic feel of this place with some modern amenities including a handicap entrance, a new roof and fresh paint. The parish house which, seats about 40 to 50, is handicap accessible and the grounds have plenty of space for tents.
Enjoy the tranquility as you pull up in an antique car or a horse and buggy to create the wedding of your dreams. For information, contact our minister 860-301-4121.
Links to Local Venues and Resources
The Riverhouse at Goodspeed Station
The Gelston House, Haddam
Wadsworth Mansion, Middletown
Lady Katharine Cruises, Haddam
rickpipes@sbcglobal.net
Bagpipes are popular at weddings. Manchester Regional Police and Fire Pipe Band PM Rick Beaulieu can find you a piper.
Other Resources
United Church of Christ
We are here for you 24 hours a day.
Heifer International
Heifer Project is one of the many meaningful organizations that we help support
Habitat for Humanity Middlesex County chapter
Helping others who are willing to help themselves is a sound investment . The Haddam Neck Congregational Church has been a long time supporter of this fine organization.
Haddam Historical Society
Learn more about Haddam Neck.
Rev. James Simpson's 80th BirthdaY!
Our Rev. Jim Simpson celebrated his 80th birthday with us!
Our beloved Rev Simpson celebrated his 80th birthday with us on 12/4/22 featuring a pizza truck, bagpiper and plenty of desserts for all provided by his dear wife Deborah!
