First Congregational Church
27 E 11th Street
New England, Hettinger County, North Dakota 58647
27 E 11th Street
New England, Hettinger County, North Dakota 58647
After 131 years in New England, the church is closing.
On September 23, 2018, a Service of Celebration was held followed by dinner.
On September 23, 2018, a Service of Celebration was held followed by dinner.
First Congregational United Church of Christ
New England, North Dakota
1887-1987
The Union Congregational Church was organized in 1887, and services were held the Faneuil Hall. The first church was built in 1887 and was dedicated on July 22, 1888. In the early 1900s the church was destroyed by fire. For several years the members worshipped God in their homes, school and other location in the pioneer town of New England. The present church was built in 1914. In 1964, we became known as First Congregational United Church of Christ. On June 28, 1987, we still commemorate 100 years of worship and service to Jesus Christ.
Info from - back of First Congregational United Church of Christ plate
New England, North Dakota
1887-1987
The Union Congregational Church was organized in 1887, and services were held the Faneuil Hall. The first church was built in 1887 and was dedicated on July 22, 1888. In the early 1900s the church was destroyed by fire. For several years the members worshipped God in their homes, school and other location in the pioneer town of New England. The present church was built in 1914. In 1964, we became known as First Congregational United Church of Christ. On June 28, 1987, we still commemorate 100 years of worship and service to Jesus Christ.
Info from - back of First Congregational United Church of Christ plate
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FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
The original Congregational Church was built in New England in 1887 and was dedicated on July 22, 1888. Reverend C.Y. Snell of Dickinson was present for the dedication as were superintendents Ewing and Simmons. Mr. Simmons gave the dedication sermon. At this time, it was known as the Union Congregational Church. This little church with its heaven-pointing spire was the only church south of the Northern Pacific Railroad, west of the Missouri and north of the Black Hills. It stood as the representative of Christian civilization for all the vast regions.
Funds for the church came largely from the directors of the New England colony and friends of Boston. The New England colony was almost abandoned in 1889, and the church was converted into a store, operated by Horace W. Smith until 1900, when it was sold to W.C. McKenzie. Later the building burned and was replaced by a stone structure which still stands. This structure was used as a school, place of protection from Indians, and headquarters building and barracks for U.S. Cavalry.
There is no record of the Congregational Church while the colony was dormant. Early homesteaders remember services being held by visiting pastors in schools and the Gardner Kinnamon Hall. In 1914 the present church building was erected. In 1907, Reverend Emanuel Johnson served as pastor; Asa Gardner, Arthur Ware, A.F. Noble and J.H. Cronkite served as trustees; Addie Ware, Emma Gardner, Nellie Noble and Susie Harrison served as deaconesses; Susie Harrison also served as treasurer, and William C. Rew served as clerk.
In 1929, the minister was shared with Regent, Havelock and Pleasant View. This was a good year - our membership increased by 43 members. Later, in 1948, we became a yoke parish with Pierce Congregational of Scranton, and this arrangement has lasted to the present.
To supplement funds, the men of the church sponsored an oyster stew dinner every fall for many years in the Memorial Hall dining room, held several bazaars, and sold lunches at public auctions.
The church was used for kindergarten classes in 1970.
Our present pastor is Reverend Edwin Higgs. Serving on the board of trustees are Milbern Christensen, Bob Waller, Jean Bratten, Ramona Jung and Barbara Giese. Alice Rafferty serves as clerk and Betty Waller as treasurer. Serving as deacons are Pete Jung and Glenn Giese. We are known as the First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ.
submitted by Alice Rafferty
Info from –New England Centennial 1886-1986: Century of Change (page 43 & page 44)
The original Congregational Church was built in New England in 1887 and was dedicated on July 22, 1888. Reverend C.Y. Snell of Dickinson was present for the dedication as were superintendents Ewing and Simmons. Mr. Simmons gave the dedication sermon. At this time, it was known as the Union Congregational Church. This little church with its heaven-pointing spire was the only church south of the Northern Pacific Railroad, west of the Missouri and north of the Black Hills. It stood as the representative of Christian civilization for all the vast regions.
Funds for the church came largely from the directors of the New England colony and friends of Boston. The New England colony was almost abandoned in 1889, and the church was converted into a store, operated by Horace W. Smith until 1900, when it was sold to W.C. McKenzie. Later the building burned and was replaced by a stone structure which still stands. This structure was used as a school, place of protection from Indians, and headquarters building and barracks for U.S. Cavalry.
There is no record of the Congregational Church while the colony was dormant. Early homesteaders remember services being held by visiting pastors in schools and the Gardner Kinnamon Hall. In 1914 the present church building was erected. In 1907, Reverend Emanuel Johnson served as pastor; Asa Gardner, Arthur Ware, A.F. Noble and J.H. Cronkite served as trustees; Addie Ware, Emma Gardner, Nellie Noble and Susie Harrison served as deaconesses; Susie Harrison also served as treasurer, and William C. Rew served as clerk.
In 1929, the minister was shared with Regent, Havelock and Pleasant View. This was a good year - our membership increased by 43 members. Later, in 1948, we became a yoke parish with Pierce Congregational of Scranton, and this arrangement has lasted to the present.
To supplement funds, the men of the church sponsored an oyster stew dinner every fall for many years in the Memorial Hall dining room, held several bazaars, and sold lunches at public auctions.
The church was used for kindergarten classes in 1970.
Our present pastor is Reverend Edwin Higgs. Serving on the board of trustees are Milbern Christensen, Bob Waller, Jean Bratten, Ramona Jung and Barbara Giese. Alice Rafferty serves as clerk and Betty Waller as treasurer. Serving as deacons are Pete Jung and Glenn Giese. We are known as the First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ.
submitted by Alice Rafferty
Info from –New England Centennial 1886-1986: Century of Change (page 43 & page 44)