The West Bloomfield Congregational Church. Photo by Sarah Williams
Inspired by the preaching of Rev. Zadock Hunn, a missionary from Massachusetts that settled in Canandaigua in 1795, the church started humbly with a meeting in a schoolhouse in 1799. The faithful folks attending agreed to form a religious society with 19 members and six trustees. This group later came to be called the Congregational Society of West Bloomfield, which built a church at the four corners in the town.
The first pastor was Rev. James H. Hotchkin who came to the church in 1801. His salary was $300 a year for the first two years. Half his salary was to be paid in cash. The rest in wheat. In 1846 the church built a second meeting house. The cornerstone for the current brick church was laid in 1875.
West Bloomfield Congregational Church has been a liberal minded, ground-breaking church even in their early days. They were highly active in the abolition and civil rights movements. The church was led by female Pastor Annis F. Eastman from 1893 to 1895, long before women had the right to vote in the United States! In 2008 they voted to become an “Open and Affirming” UCC church, affirming the full inclusion of LGBTQ persons in the church’s life and ministry.
To mark this momentous occasion – the 225th Anniversary of West Bloomfield Congregational Church, the church is planning a weekend of celebration, community, and joy.
There is a Community Party planned for Saturday, August 17th, 10 AM – 4 PM on the church lawn. Organized by the church leadership and together with more than a dozen local organizations and businesses, the public is invited to attend and enjoy food booths, live music performances, fun games and activities, an apple pie contest, inflatables race, and much more! There will also be a historical presentation by Sue Washburn of the West Bloomfield Historical Society, and state dedication.
A special 225th Anniversary Service is planned for Sunday, August 18th at10 AM. Former ministers of the church, as well as all members, former members, friends and the community have been invited to this special service honoring the 225-year history. The service will be followed by a light, festive luncheon.
“Throughout our 225 year history our members have supported the church, the local townspeople, those in nearby communities, and hundreds of national/international service and mission organizations.” says Andrea Hagen Stein, the chairperson of the events. “During our Quasquibicentennial weekend celebration we once again will provide our community with an opportunity to gather together to celebrate our town and church. Saturday offers more than a dozen local organizations a chance to spotlight themselves while offering food, activities, games and fun. Sunday will be focused on the church. We are thrilled that 3 of our former pastors, plus 1 via letter, will join us in worship as we celebrate our 225 years of being a congregation of “independent thinkers”. All are invited to join our weekend long celebration!”
“In 1799, John Adams was the second president of the United States, Beethoven published Sonata Pathetique at age 28, and our church began its creative, forward-thinking work on the edge of the frontier,” says Pastor Corey Keyes. “May we always be so.”
West Bloomfield Congregational Church UCC is located at 9035 Rts 5 & 20, W. Bloomfield, and is fully accessible. Please go to wbccucc.org for more information, to RSVP, and enter contests.
