History

Many thanks to the Killingly Historical Society for sharing some of these historic photgraphs with us.

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Section 1.

This first section is a reprint of an article written in 1946, by Henry E. Hill a member of the church. We were informed that in 2006 one of his descendant's donated a chest of documents to the Killingly Historical Society which included the plans and architectural drawings of the Church building erected in 1835. We hope you enjoy it and the rest of our on going journey.

History of the Baptist Churches in E. Killingly, Connecticut

by Henry E. Hill

As Printed in the Windham County Transcript, Danielson, CT

Thursday, October 3, 1946

"Among the first items of interest dealing with local Baptist History are letters of dismission and recommendation from our neighboring Baptist church in Glocester, RI. No doubt some had moved from there to become residents of Killingly while others who believed in Christ were convinced of their need to be baptized according to primitive practice, disregarded parish and stateliness and untied with the already established in Gloucester. These were numerous as appears by the many church letters copied in the old church records. The earliest record is dated in Killingly, May 22^nd 1776. An exact copy will now be given in so far as it has been possible to do so for the few pages from the original book have been ravaged by the hand of time as well as careless human hands.

Killingly, May 22nd 1776.

“Agreeable to a request from a number of baptized believers meeting in this place for the public worship, who are desirous of uniting in a visible Church state in this place for public worship. A number of above said brethren being members of the perspective Churches, to which they belong by Letter, request those Churches to assist them by the sending of messengers, on 1^st day, those assembled, from the Church in Glocester, Elder John Winsor, Andrew Brown, Jonathan Eddy, Rounds, Samuel Angel; -- from the Church at Providence, Elder James Manning, Deacon Ephraim Wheator, John Jenks; --from the Church in Atteborough, Elder Job Seamans;-- from the Church in Thompson, Deacon James Dike, Ebenezer Green.”

Elder James was chosen Moderator of this meeting. The Council proceeded to inquire into the sentiments of those present professing to embody, touching both Doctrine and Practice, to believe the following articles.

First, that there is but one God, possessed of ever possible virtue and that He exists in three persons of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, the same in essence equal in Power and Glory, but distinguished according to their respective offices.

2. That created all things by the Word of His Power, He possess and governs the world in Infinite Wisdom, Justice and Goodness; and that His knowledge is infinite & His Council eternal & immutable, yet He is in no sense that author of sin, neither does His Knowledge or Power give the least toleration to Sin-

3. That God made man in His own image, that is in holiness, happiness & purity; but that man being in honor abode not but he lost communion with God, so that by Sin we are all the Children of Wrath and justly exposed to the punishment of Hell.

4. That of His mere Mercy, through the Amazing Love wherewith He loved us, while we were dead in Trespass and Sin, did, according to the Covenant that was between the Father and the Son in eternity, gave His only begotten Son of His bosom, to be born of a virgin, to take on our nature, and in that nature sin accepted into union with the Divine Nature, and in that Nature to obey completely God’s Holy Law; die the excepted Death of the Cross to justify it’s penalty, to rise again from the dead on the 3^rd day, for our justification, and ascend into heaven as the intercessor of all His people; and that as Mediator between God and man, He is the Head and Lawgiver of the Church, the Author of every Spiritual Gift; Governor of the whole world, and the Judge of the quick and the dead.

5. That in order to be interested in Him, we must be convinced by the Holy Spirit that we are totally depraved, helpless, and justly condemned to Hell as transgressors; and that by obedience and suffering, preparation and ascension of Jesus Christ, completely satisfaction is made for sin: So that all that believe in Jesus shall be completely justified by His righteousness imputed, and satisfied by grace imparted so as to hate sin , and love the holy law of God, and that this faith is wrought in the heart by Ye Power of God’s Spirit, called in scripture being born again.

6. That the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the Blood of God, and only rule of Faith and Practice; and that the New Testament only presents what shall be the materials, Order and Discipline of the Church of Christ, which consists of a number of believers of Jesus Christ, according to what is specified above, who have been Baptized by immersion in water, in the name of the Holy Trinity; and do covenant to walk together in unity, and maintain the ordinance of the New Testament so far as God shall enable them.

7. That the Church should be duly organized with an Elder and Deacon and that they must statedly and occasionally meet on the first day of the week for Social and Divine Worship, and they shall agree and observe their Ordinance of the Lord’s Supper and the secular concerns of the Church be attended to by all members at such times and places as they shall appoint.

8. That it is the duty of the Church to minister to the temporal support of the Elder, that He may give himself to his ministry.

9. That the Imposition of non imposition of hand on the members shall make no Barr of Communion but that each one shall enjoy their own conscience, without offence to the Brethren.

10. That every member shall keep their own places, and discharge their several duties belonging to their several relations to the Church, and in case of neglect that they be dealt with according to the Rules of Christ laid down in the New Testament.

11. That the gifts of the supportive members of the Church belong to and are in their improvement to be directed”.

“Being happily agreed in the above articles and being desirous of giving ourselves unto the Lord and to each other by the Will of the Lord, we do mutually Covenant and Agree to unite together as a Church and engage through Grace to discharge the several duties incumbent in witness whereof we have severally subscribed our names.”

Whether these articles were agreed upon before the delegates assembled, or were drafted and accepted at that time, there is no record to enlighten us. The articles and covenant are similar to those adopted by Baptists at the period. 59 names, 32 men and 27 women. There is no record but it might be presumed that these Christians adjourned without the ministerial delegates having given them fellowship as a church. The association was called a “meeting” and no clerk was chosen it can be presumed that they considered themselves as a meeting of brethren from neighboring churches for the purpose of advising the brethren, in Killingly, concerning the formation of a church. Several pages of records are covered with copies of letters from Glocester and other churches dismissing and recommending members to the newly formed church in Killingly. The letters and dates are all dated 1776. It would seem that the Brethren acted upon correct principles in considering themselves as a church by their own act and vote. A council was later called for the purpose of gathering fellowship with sister churches, and the council did not consider that the brethren did not act prematurely or without proper authority. Brethren could properly call a Pastor, administer Baptism, and the Lord’s Supper without danger of being called to account by any other church as there is no law of God or of man to forbid them to do so. Baptists do not claim the “Regular Succession”. However no such body could properly claim fellowship with another church until it had been extended by a regular council.

The next important record date is July 26^th 1776 and reads: “The church met, Deacon Robert Baxter was chosen moderator. A motion was made to give George Robinson a call to settle among them as pastor; which, was responded by a unanimous vote; and the call extended”. Brother Robinson desiring time to consider the subject, the meeting was adjourned to October 18^th. At the October meeting the call was renewed and accepted. A committee was appointed to purchase a ministerial lot or a parsonage. The size of the lot, sum to be paid or manner of raising the money, were not recorded. Sunday, October 20^th was set apart for the ordination of Brother Robinson who was a member of a church in Attleboro Mass., and had been given permission by that church to preach. The formal council met on November 12^th 1776 with delegates from Middleboro, Woodstock, Thompson and Glocester. Elder Backus was moderator and Elder Thompson clerk. According to the record they proceeded to inquire into the constitution and articles of the church, “which we found to be consistent with the rules of the Gospel, that we gave them fellowship as a sister church. The council then gave Brother Robinson opportunity to relate his call “out nature into grace”. This being found satisfactory the council heartedly agreed to answer the request of the church to ordain Brother Robinson and, on Wednesday, Nov. 13^th 1776 the Elders met and separated Brother Robinson to the work whereunto the Lord had called him, by the laying on of hands and prayer. On Sunday, January 5^th 1776, Brother Robinson administered the Lord’s Supper for the first time, the record reads, “A good day it was.” The records go on mention two other society meetings. The use of the word “society” was probably to be in agreement with state statute. The order and regularity found in the beginning of the church, the call of the Elder Robinson and the purchase of a parsonage and the keeping up of public worship indicate that a good foundation was laid. There is scant record of how the church prospered under Elder Robinson’s care. A letter spread upon the church records dated Feb. 25^th, 1785 shows that he was dismissed to unite with the church in Attleboro, and that he was “recommended as a member in good standing, whose moral and Christian character is good, both as a preacher of the Gospel and as a member.” Reports were circulated that that he sold the parsonage and pocketed the money but it does not seem that the above recommendation would have been given him while such charges were pending. Following Elder Robinson’s labors the church remained dormant for several years. During that time a man by the name Campbell came to town and labored for some time. His preaching seems to have been effective for numbers professing conversion and he baptized them. When Mr. Campbell went away he seems to have taken some of his followers who it appears joined him rather than the church. Elder Miffit carried on the work for a few months and fellowship within the church and the association were restored.

A meeting was called on June 24^th 1790 and Elder Martin of Thompson invited to see “if they could regain the old fellowship”, It appears that the first meeting house was build previous to this time and the gathering was held in the “meeting house”. This building was located about 1 mile north of the present site and was on the easterly side of north Road. Not far from the Gould place. During 1786-7 Elders Lamb and John Cooper preached for the society. The people agreed on their part to pay him L15 annually and to remove his family and goods without charge, probably from Waterford or new London, CT, although the place is not named. There is no clear record of Elder Rogers except that the church insisted that there be public confession of members who had been found guilty of immorality. Some dissented but the church adhered to its rule and insisted upon compliance. Some members were excluded for having separate meetings, however the church voted letters to the latter “dis-claiming any intention of admonishing them as brethren and exhorting them to return to duty.” In 1799 the church resolved that “no person except members in good standing be permitted to attend church meetings for business or discipline without special permission.” In 1800 Elder Rogers agreed to accept L10 annually and the members were to be assessed nine pence each for the support of the communion table.

During 1802 mention is made that meetings were held in private houses which mat mean the meeting house mentioned earlier was never really finished or that it may have fallen into a dilapidated condition rendering it unfit for use in winter for stoves were not then used in meeting houses. On March 5^th1805 fifteen men and women met at the home of Levi Aldrich “to consider their scattered and broken condition.”

Elder Calvin Cooper a member of the 2^nd Baptist Church in Sutton MA. Was called September 25^th 1805 and remained for over 20 years. A record dated October 12^th 1812 noted that “the church considers it an offense, demanding discipline for a member to be absent from worship and communion”. Elder Cooper’s pastorate was the longest enjoyed by the church and was very prosperous. An intensive revival occurred in 1821 when about 90 were added to the church during the autumn season. Upon on occasion a “lady preacher” from Vermont was engaged to supply Elder Cooper during an illness. That “lady preachers” were not held in too high regard was evidenced the by the fact that Elder Cooper referred to this one as a “grievous wolf who had entered the fold during his absence.” The Elder was an ardent Phrenologist and continued to live in the community and be an active member of the church until his death.

Elder Albert Cole of Plainfield, CT was called to preach August 22^nd, 1830. An Item dated September 23^rd 1831 concerns a brother who was visited by a committee to whom he gave his reasons for non-attendance at worship as “lack of suitable apparel”. On report of the committee the church came to the conclusion that “if such were the case, it must proceed from slothfulness.” Elder Jonathan Oakley became pastor in May 1834 and served for 1 year coming from Exeter, RI. He gave place to Elder Erastus Doty of Colebrook, Litchfield, CT.

Growth of the Church necessitated a new meeting house. This “House for Public Worship” was to be located opposite the dwelling of Ruben Bartlett in the East Society, south of the turnpike, and west of the Village road. Every subscriber was to have a vote for every $120 subscribed. Twenty seven persons agreed to give a total of $1,505.00 for a building to be 46 feet long by 36 feet wide. As sometimes happen it was not possible to collect the total, amount pledged from some, hence the note against names “run away”, one owing $6.00 and the other $5.17. An addition of fifteen feet was built in 1846 making the meeting house as we know it today (1946). In 1836 a sister who had been under discipline asked for a letter of dismission which was not granted until the brethren could learn that she had totally abstained from intoxicating liquors and could speak favorably of the temperance cause. Another note states that an investigation revealed that “like the sow she returned to her wallow.” Rev. Nicholas Branch followed Elder Doty and labored for several years with this and neighboring churches. The cost of the church, addition, basement and bell came to approximately $3,000. The basement was built at the expense of a very few individuals. Rev. James Smither was chosen pastor about April 1841 and was succeeded by Rev. Tubal Wakefield and L.W. Wheeler who remained three years. In 1851 Rev Henry Bromley was engaged for a year but after eight months he resigned to take over an agency for the Connecticut Literary Institution. Rev. Ebenezer Loomis supplied until 1855. The many exclusions during the last few years resulted in much ill feeling and worked hardship upon the church. Up to the above time or another 126 dismissed, 143 dropped, 82 excluded and 193 had been lost by death. The church at one time was affiliated with Sturbridge Association. The original name Killingly Baptist Church was Changed to East Killingly Baptist Church on May 22, 1853."

Section 2.

This next section is a compilation of information we were told by Church members and others about Church History at the time of the renovations and restoration efforts starting 1997. coordinated by Rev. Colleen Pearl, Associate Pastor, at the time of the Church Rededication Service May 1998

"In May 1776, the Baptist Society of Chestnut Hill (later named East Killingly, CT) was started. Several years later this group split into two Baptist churches: The East Killingly Baptist Church (a “hard-shell” Baptist Church), and the East Killingly Free Will Baptist Church & Society. In November 1914, these two churches merged and formed the Union Baptist Church of East Killingly. In 1835 a church building was constructed on the present site (Hartford Pike) using beams and other parts of the original (1776) church building from Chestnut Hill. Even though there was a period of time when the American Baptist representation in East Killingly was through two churches, both past and present members have always considered Union Baptist Church of East Killingly to have been born with the nation in 1776.

Through the late 1970s this church was the focal point of East Killingly (which was settled prior to what is now called the Town of Killingly). The Memorial Day Service was held here. The parade would stop outside the church and everyone would join in the service; then all would continue to the cemetery and come back to the church after the ceremony for lunch.

After the mill owners in town decided to stop sponsoring the Old Home Day, Union Baptist Church took it on, continuing until the late 1950s. People always knew to come to the church when in need — spiritually and practically. The youth group was noted for its size in such a small community. There are several older folks who still give testimony to having the seeds of their faith planted and nurtured in UBC’s Sunday School and youth group. They tell of wonderful experiences, including the eager anticipation of becoming old enough to be baptized and join the church. For many, perfect attendance in Sunday School was so important when they traveled they looked for an American Baptist Church to attend.

Union Baptist Church was, and still is, the only Protestant denomination in East Killingly. As with so many churches of all denominations, the seventies ushered in a time of decline. Many of the older folks in town moved to warmer climates. Many of the younger folks left for school and military service, never to return. The mills closed and employment options moved farther away. Sadly, like churches elsewhere, UBC also suffered from disagreement among its members, and many left to go elsewhere. It was very difficult for those who had kept the fires burning to allow “new” folks to bring change with them. By the mid-1980s, the active membership had dwindled to a dozen or so who met only during the summer and Easter and Christmas. The furnace and plumbing failed, the building needed major structural work, the parsonage was not in good enough shape to have someone live in, and the few remaining members were elderly and unable to do the work themselves. It was also believed that there was no money to hire a pastor, make repairs, or anything else. The handful began meeting in the parsonage, relying on occasional supply ministers, or simply having a deacon lead a prayer service. It appeared the end was imminent."

And so there were eight.

May 1997

The Choice for God’s Work

Church officers decided it was time to close the church. But one 82 year old woman — Mary N. (very shy, never outspoken) — said “No! I don’t want my church closed. Please God, save this church.” With the help of her son, Mary solicited the necessary signatures for a petition calling for a special business meeting. Mary, along with six other members (all over 60 years old) asked for help from the American baptist Churches of Connecticut (ABCCONN) staff, and Rev. Larry Dobson (the Northeast Regions Resource Minister) came — along with two other respected area clergy. There were two main questions: (1) Was there any money for repairs and hiring a pastor? (2) Was there a pastor somewhere with a vision for God’s work here and a heart for this church and the community? Was he / or she able to go without a real wage for a season...and up for a challenge!” By the end of this first meeting a new slate of officers were elected, and yes, there was some money for necessary repairs. It was prayed and agreed that God would either send them a pastor who could lead them along a path of renewal and revival, or they would accept the necessity of closing the church.

Sadly, those who had been leading the church for the past several years could not accept the changes necessary and soon chose to leave. Mary and the five persevered. These others included Mary’s son (Arthur), Richard and Shirley B. (Shirley had been a member since 1937) and Barbara W. (a member since 1936) and her daughter, Priscilla (a member since 1955) — all made a six month commitment to working to save this church. Barbara’s mother, Doris S. was 98 years old and she wanted to know her own pastor before she died, so Doris asked Barbara and her granddaughter, Priscilla to represent her in this effort.

And so there were six….

The ABCCONN leadership, particularly Rev. Dobson were very helpful and supportive. Their prayers and encouragement gave the others hope; their wise counsel and diplomatic talks with the other disgruntled members (who had possession of the books) eliminated much stress, and possible legal unpleasantness. They provided much needed new direction. The new officers were especially relieved to have this support and help, particularly since the previous leadership had ceased all ABCCONN active affiliation many years earlier. The six active members all agreed that active affiliation with ABCCONN and ABCUSA was an absolute must...and desire. Their faith was rooted in the Baptist denomination and tradition, as was the founding of this church. The leadership met on a Monday evening in July to pray and seek God’s will and help — they knew they needed a spiritual leader, and needed one soon.

Two days later — Wednesday — one of the deacons was inquiring about some real estate in a near-by town. It happened to be owned by small non-denominational ministry. The deacon spoke with the president of that group, who happened to be an ordained minister. At the end of the business discussion, the deacon asked if the minister would consider pastoring a small American Baptist church. That minister — Rev. William Pearl — said he would gladly meet and pray with the people. A few weeks later the Pearls (both happened to be ordained ministers) met with the six for fellowship and lots of talk. At the end of the evening it was agreed to have Rev. Pearl (Bill) preach for two Sundays in the fall. It was at this point that those who had wanted to close the church officially decided to leave.

Rev. Pearl preached for the last two weeks of October. The members believed he was the answer to their prayers, and so they issued a call for both the Pearls to come as Senior and Associate Pastor, respectively. While honored to be so called, the Pearls asked for time for more prayer and to meet with Rev. Dobson. They wanted to know more about the ABCUSA denomination. They had come from a Southern Baptist and then non-denominational background (having been raised UCC and Roman Catholic, respectively). They felt they needed to know a little more of the background of Union Baptist Church, and also what supports might be available from ABCCONN and ABCUSA...and what would be expected of UBC towards the region and national. After meeting with Rev. Dobson, the Pearls were satisfied, and they strongly believed that the coincidental meetings were all God-ordered. So the Pearls accepted the call, and four others came with the Pearls to this church.

And so there were twelve….

The Church

From November 1, 1997 the church began having Sunday services every week in the Parsonage. By early December 1997, the church had fifteen active participants, and repairs had begun on the church building. A new heating system was installed and the Sanctuary was scrubbed. The Narthex was scraped and painted and carpeted. Light bulbs were put in lamps long since darkened, decorations were in place and on December 24, 1997 the first Christmas Eve Service in over fifteen years was held in the Sanctuary. What excitement and joy to hear the long silent church bell ring out clear and strong that night. There were 22 in attendance (some from the community who had been watching) — in the middle of a snow storm. The carols were sung and many tears flowed...a miracle had begun. Several from the church had actually started the celebration earlier that week by visiting shut-ins, including Doris S. age 98, and Verdi & Augusta P. (both over 90— Verdi was a Life Deacon). But the work had just begun.

Throughout the following months, the pastors and many volunteers worked long hard hours to renovate the church. The board decided to only hire professionals for the electrical and plumbing work. The pastors were traveling over thirty minutes form their home (three towns to the west). Rev. Bill Pearl was bi-vocational, serving a mid-state Hospice as the Pastoral Care Coordinator. By Easter, the building had new wiring, a handicapped bathroom, usable kitchen, and a brand new dining hall —the floor, ceiling, and walls had all caved in over the years. All this was ready to be rededicated to God’s use here in East Killingly, CT.

Sunday, May 17, 1998 was the date for the Rededication Service. There were over 100 people in attendance, and it was covered by the Norwich Bulletin and the Hartford Courant — the state’s largest newspaper (on the front page along with world and state news!). What excitement...what an increase in faith among the people. Over $10,000 in non-member donations had been received, giving hope and confidence to the congregation. Sadly, Doris S. had died in January, but she had indeed come to know and care for her pastor and seen her church on its way again. Her daughter and granddaughter who had pledged six months are still active in church leadership.

And so there were twenty.…

The Parsonage

From the very beginning, everyone, including the Pearls, agreed on the importance of the pastors living in the community. By the winter of 1998-99 it became a must. The parsonage was fine structurally and it had “working” plumbing and heating, but it had not been lived in since the late 1970s, or worked on since the 1950s. Working with Rev. Dobson, the Pearls asked for volunteers, and the church applied for and received a low interest loan from ABCCONN. ABCCONN then designated UBC as a home mission.

Third Baptist of North Stonington, CT sent their Youth Group on two Saturdays. These teens did the work of adults and had a great attitude. They tore down walls, scraped and painted and hauled trash. Members in the community were continuing to watch, and some began to help. Many sent money, some donated equipment and materials, and many gave of their labor. The pastor of Putnam Baptist Church came one Saturday with another man and they built the closet for the new master bedroom. In late Spring, Pastor Bill received a call from the Mission Chairperson of First Baptist of Wallingford, CT. They wanted a home mission project and we were it! Over the next several weeks they sent groups of five to twenty. These brothers and sisters in Christ did everything imaginable! They plumbed, scrubbed, painted, wired, installed windows, spackled, built floors and baseboards, replaced sills...and so much more. They also donated funds (over $800) which were used for materials, and the last case of hymnals. They prayed with us and for us, they sang and laughed...they cared! The most recent group which reached out to UBC was from the Voluntown Baptist Church. Their Vacation Bible School participants donated their week’s offering to help us purchase Sunday School and VBS Curriculum.

One local farmer sent his front-end loader (with driver) to haul piles of trash to a dumpster — some of this trash had been there for a year, and was wet and heavy. Another man loaned the use of his larger tractor for Pastor Bill to work on the parking lot with...for days. Some came and said: “We’ve not seen ministers do physical labor here for a long, long time. If you are willing to get dirty, so will we.” One woman driving by saw the pastor scraping paint off the outside of the parsonage. She stopped and said: “That may be lead paint, you need goggles.” A few minutes later she appeared with a new pair of goggles and a face mask.

From April until Memorial Day Weekend, our volunteers worked side-by-side — Church groups and civic groups, individuals of faith and individuals of community. On Memorial Day Saturday the pastors were moved in, and spent their first night at the renovated parsonage. What a homecoming! There were two brothers who came to help many times. They were the nephews of a past pastor of UBC, Rev. Kenneth Cooper (1933-1944). Their father is a retired pastor of several local churches. One of the brothers now attends here, and was married in the fall of 1999 to a deacon in this church. (The second marriage here since the rededication).

The VFW was watching, and donated $100, and invited Rev. Bill Pearl to lead the annual Memorial Day Parade (and then in our second year asked us to reinstate the Memorial Day Service). During the Spring of 1999, several men from the VFW appeared one day and took down some trees leaning towards the parsonage. Since that time, they have removed innumerable trees, cleared the back edge of the parking lot, rewired a phone line, rewired the whole basement of the parsonage, brought in truck loads of fill to enlarge the parking area, have kept it plowed at no cost all winter, and show up to every dinner and breakfast we have. The Fire Department seconded that parade invitation (it had been over 20 years since a minister led the parade), and the Chief also asked Bill to be the speaker at their annual “Appreciation Dinner.”

The wife of one of the officers of the VFW had started coming to church (originally for their granddaughter’s sake), but he was not a “church-goer.” As of the Autumn of 1999, this gentleman is not only a regular attendee, he and his wife have joined the church, and he became the Sexton. This man spends hours every week fixing, building, cleaning, and generally keeps the whole place going strong. He and another member of the church built our second bathroom in January (with money donated by a handicapped person who wanted to come to church, but needed a bathroom upstairs).

It was decided that the Old Home Day tradition should be revived (2000). Both the VFW and the Fire Department have offered support and help. We are planning it for late Spring / early Summer 2000. This will offer another community opportunity to share the “good news.” Working side-by-side, sharing goals and caring about one another creates an environment where people will listen and you can share your faith. When a church stays closed to itself alone, not caring about its neighbors, the community will not listen to the church.

We have 36 very active members, with 12 active not-as-yet members, and 7 shut-ins who are in regular contact. The rest are names still on the roll but so far inactive. The pastors are following a plan to get in touch with each and every person to see if they still desire to remain as members, and the whole congregation is planning an evangelism “Neighborhood Outreach” for the Spring. The teams will be knocking on doors with loaves of homemade bread, Gospels of John, and information about church. This is an ongoing miracle, begun, directed, and kept by God...begun in 1776, and He’s not finished!

We have “Sunday School” on Wednesday evenings, with an average of 16 in the adult class, 4 in the elementary class, and 4 really involved teens. Our mid-week prayer and praise service consistently has over 20 in attendance, with around a dozen or so each Wednesday for the fellowship supper. We have a monthly dinner which averages 60 and usually a free concert following. Our teens have put on two breakfast thus far and made over $300, which they plan to use for outreach to other teens in the community. The Union Baptist Bugle now reaches over 600 families, and always brings in many responses (spiritually and financially). It carries our church “news,” but is a strong tool for spreading the Gospel. We have started conducting twice monthly Sunday services at an assisted living facility for the elderly in a neighboring town. With an average Sunday attendance of 50, this church is no longer feeling the approach of death, we have been resurrected by our Lord and will continue to follow Him.

Today—Eternity

Our plans for the future are simple — we want to be about our Father’s business. We will continue to live out our faith each day in our community, and beyond. The people in this church desire first and foremost to see the Gospel of Jesus Christ shared at home and abroad. As a local church, we have a particular burden for the elderly and children. Our church in located in the largest county of the state. It is the poorest, with the fewest services available from state or local agencies. It also is noted as being the most aging county, having the largest percent per population of what is termed “old old” [those 75 and older], the largest percentage of poor, medically-frail elderly, and the highest percentage of teen pregnancies and high school drop-outs.

On the cross, one of Jesus’ last acts was to provide care for His Mother, and He always received the children who came to Him. Can we, as His followers, do any less?

Our region is a rural / small town area. Our specific location is a part of a larger (though still small) town called Killingly. We are surrounded by several villages and towns, with Rhode Island on the east, and Massachusetts less than 15 miles to our north. This church has historically been the hub of the village and our hope and plan is to become that once again. While our doors are, of course, open to all, we are targeting the families in our locale, especially those who are unchurched and without a strong background of faith. UBC has always had a strong older membership, and we will continue to value their participation and wisdom. We have many elderly housing complexes and nursing homes / assisted living facilities, with which we hope to make contact.

We also have a large group of single-parent families. This is one of the main reasons we decided to switch to a mid-week evening Christian Education class rather than the more traditional Sunday morning Sunday School. Our class sizes went from negligible to small but consistent, and growing. We had only one young child active for the first eighteen months, we now have between four each week. We had no teens, we now have 4, and our adult class grew from 5 to an average of 16 each week. Our ABW group has grown from 3 to 8-10, with one of our ladies now holding the Northeast Region’s position of Clerk. We also have an active White Cross participation.

The community is participating more and more in our monthly dinners and concerts. We began with an average of 35 for each meal, and about 15 for the concerts (decidedly Christian in flavor). This past year we have increased to over 60 for each meal and around 25-30 for the concerts. Our teens put on a “Breakfast with Santa” (offering great food and trinkets for the children with a gospel message imprinted on them), and over 75 turned out.

Our Senior Pastor has been making “door step” visits throughout the communities, and we are excited to be planning our first church-wide evangelism day of “door step” visits this spring. Teams are being trained to cover several streets around the church. They will be taking with them Gospels of John, pocket New Testaments, and complete Bibles (whichever people would prefer — the Gospels of John to be left if no one is home). They will also have a freshly made loaf of sweet bread, a brochure describing our church activities and a welcoming smile for each household. We hope to make this an annual event.

In closing

The re-birth of Union Baptist Church has been God’s plan from start to finish. Only He could have caused a timid elderly woman, who had never “fought” for something like this in her life, to stand toe-to-toe with several strong-minded individuals who wanted to close this church for their own reasons. Only God could have given her the courage — even as she struggled with a debilitating disease — to go out and ask others to help her save the church. Only God could have supplied hope to a handful of people who had, at best, spent most of their lives not thinking their desires — or perhaps even they themselves — mattered very much.

Only God could have “coincidentally” orchestrated a “business conversation” between a husband and wife ministerial team (who also had a few friends of like faith) and one of the deacons of UBC. Interestingly, this couple had a vision (for several years) of developing a group of believers intent on serving their local community. They had believed for years that this vision would be established in a small, almost forgotten (nearly dead?) church. Up to this time, they were totally unfamiliar with E. Killingly, CT., Union Baptist Church, or even the American Baptist Churches denomination — but God had a plan. A church in such disrepair that some felt it should be condemned, and six senior citizens....

Only God could have caused a $250,000.00 renovation project to be accomplished for $60,000.00 Only God could have caused people in the community — many of whom had been hurt years earlier by people in this very church — to turn and say “YES! Let us help.” Only God could have caused the largest state newspaper to print an article on the front page (along side of world and state news) concerning the renovation of this small country church — free advertising which no amount of money could have purchased. Only God could continue to have the main local newspaper write article after article after article (with pictures) about the ongoing events of this small country church — a newspaper which rarely covers local religious events at all. Only God could prod strangers to contribute their time, talent, and treasure.

Only God could soften hearts and open minds to bring about a merging of old and new with little or no disgruntled feelings...indeed, Blest Be the Tie That Binds. So many churches today are struggling to blend the older generation and the younger; the traditions of the past with the contemporary. There has been none of that at Union Baptist Church — even though the original re-start members were all older, and American Baptist to the core.

Section 3.

In 2004, Pastor Bill was invited by Bruce Dexter to start a Christian discussion group in his office at 6:00am on Wednesday mornings. His office is on Westcott Rd. in Danielson. What started with a few guys having a discussion group evolved into a bible study and prayer meeting. It has become a source of strength and inspiration for as many as 35 men every Weds. morning since. (written in 2009). In 2007 we began a Tuesday afternoon at 5:00pm meeting as well. In the November 2009 we began a second time of prayer on Thursday mornings @ 6:00am.

On Tuesday Sept. 4, 2007 New Hope Academy officially opened its doors as a Private Christian School serving the children and families of Northeastern Connecticut and the adjacent communities in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

In April 2005, our church founded Camp Opportunity as a summer day camp program for children ages 3-12. It was immediately apparent this was a needed ministry to our community and in August of that year we decided to continue throughout the school year, as a preschool program. As the 2005-2006 school-year neared an end, parents requested that we not only continue, but add kindergarten for the fall.

Our program began with 16 campers in 2005 and 4 preschool students that fall. This past June we closed our school year program with 11 students (7 of whom have re-registered for the coming school year), and opened our summer camp with 20 registrations each week.

Our school children are testing 1-2 years ahead of the local public kindergarten classes. They are reading and printing, doing 1^st grade math, and loving science. They have learned some sign language, and are beginning Spanish. With the results of the past three year, parents and many community leaders have encouraged us to take the next step. Thus we have begun New Hope Academy: Christian, Classical, Cutting Edge. New Hope Academy will offer primary and secondary level education to the children of Northeast Connecticut commencing Tuesday September 4, 2007.

We will be using two sets of curriculum, both award-winning and highly respected: VERITAS Press [Classical education at its best today] (all grades) and Alpha Omega Publications’ Switched on Schoolhouse (accredited and using cutting edge technology] beginning in the third grade. We have conferred with Connecticut’s Department of Education and they have assured us we are in compliance. Connecticut chooses to give great freedom to private schools. We meet the health and safety codes for buildings used for children, have passed every annual state inspection for our day camp (we are a state licensed day camp), with a 100% compliance rating. Our current staff is comprised of individuals with university degrees, decades of experience educating children, and a passion for this mission.

October 2008

NEW HOPE COMMUNITY FOOD COOPERATIVE.

We are a host site for Angel Food Ministries and will be be receiving monthly shipments from them generally on the fourth Saturday of each month.

Angel Food Ministries is a non-profit, non-denominational organization dedicated to providing grocery relief and financial support throughout the United States.

August 2009 - Tuesday evening at 7:00pm we began a Fund

With little exception, the newcomers are not only much younger, but many are from a Roman Catholic or a non-church background. For them the old, much loved hymns, prayers, and traditions are truly foreign. Through God all are loving the mix, and loving each other.

So much has already been accomplished in so little time. We have grown from six, to twelve, to over fifty. From one child to many, all eager and hungry to learn and be loved. From no real adult Christian Education class to one with over 16 active members. From a single Sunday morning service, to a weeknight service with fellowship supper, a “UB Healthy” support group, a women’s craft time group, an active American Baptist Women’s group, an excited music ministry, and requests for more. Our church is just beginning, even though its roots go back to 1776. We want our pastors to be able to afford to be here full-time, not split between another full-time position and here. God has certainly kept our Senior Pastor in good health and energy, and we believe He will continue to do so, but our efforts are directed toward increasing our funding so as to be able to meet his expenses, and allow him to “retire” from his other position. We have visions of more community outreach: a youth center, a Christian Reading Room / Library open to the community; a village shop where people could market their handicrafts and fellowship together like the “General Store” of yesterday — what an opportunity for spreading the Gospel.

We still have much to do: repairing and renovating, reviving and renewing people as well as buildings. The church is growing, the community is watching and helping and our Father’s business goes on building His Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.

2003 Teen Invasion Camp Opportunity Learning Center::: (ages 13-17) - the kids meet every Thursday (led by Youth Pastor Steve Poudrette & his team). They listen to music, watch videos, and discuss their lives and its challenges; they play board games, ping-pong & darts; they take field trips, do community service, and conclude with a Biblical message and Bible study. In 2003 there were 4 teens, now more than 12 gather each week.

2005 Summer Day Camp - a licensed six week experience in July & August. In 2005 we averaged 19 children each week (ages 6-12). 2006 will offer more spaces (ages 7-12), including a Kinder-Unit (ages 3-6). A Counselor in Training unit will be available if we have at least 4 in that age group (ages 13 -14). Camp Programs include: nature, swimming, field games, music and crafts, as well as teacher facilitated learning centers. The learning centers are to help campers retain or improve their learning levels throughout the summer months. “Camp” continues during the three weeks of school vacation: Christmas, February & Spring Vacations.

4H Club: (ages 7-18) - programs include: Photography, Astronomy, Crafts, Nature/Hiking, and of course our Cooking class continues. A Christian-based club, open to all kids, regardless of race, gender, culture or religion, with a “discovery” approach. Simply put, the team works within the format of 4H to help youth discover new possibilities and interests.

2006 New Hope Academy - Opened it's doors in September. NHA is a product of the Summer Camp program which, so caught the imagination of the Parents, they requested we start a year around educational program.

2008 New Hope Community Food Co-Op In September, NHCM began the process of becoming a, "Host Site" for Angel Food Ministries. Food is be picked up on the last Saturday of each month 9:00- 11:00 am. October 29th was the first "Food Drop Off" This provides a much needed affordable food source to the people of northeast Connecticut . There are no restrictions on who can order food.
In September there were 24 units ordered, October 54, November 78, December 104, January 2009 - 140, February 178.

2009 Renovation to Downstairs of Church In June, just two weeks before Camp was to begin, it was decided to move one wall in the rear of the building to make a new classroom for next fall students. The plan was to make the Kitchen smaller by half. To accomplish this it was necessary to remove a few cabinets to accomodated the new wall. We figured it would take a couple days to finish the job.

Then it was discovered the floor under the cabinets was badly rotted and needed replacement. This short term project turned into a mammoth rehab project thet took the whole summer. The whole floor under the kitchen and 1/3 of the dining hall had to be replaced. This meant the entire Kitchen and adjoining floor had to be gutted as far back a the renovations made in 1997. The kitchen was moved to the downstairs front storage room. The crawl space under the floor was filled with 27 yards of gravel and then a new weight bareing footing and a 4 inch concrete floor was poured.