caption, page 7:

 

To be Rebuilt

The First Congregational Church of Pomfret, destroyed by fire in December, is in the process of rebuilding. Courtesy photo.

 

 

 

 

Pomfret

church 

on track 

to rebuild

POMFRET — Full speed ahead is the order of the day as the leadership of First Congregational Church of Pomfret prepares to build a new church following the fire that destroyed the historic old meeting house in  December. 

The goal is to have the new building up and occupied in time for the celebration of the 300th anniversary of the church in October 2015. 

The fire that destroyed the historic Pomfret Church Dec. 7, was a heavy blow to the members of the congregation and the community but not a knockout.  

“It was a terrible shock,” said long-time member Donna Campagna, “but at the same time we found it to be a great motivator. The Bible reminds us   ‘…that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose’, and that’s how we find the strength to hold together and continue the church’s work. The community - our friends and neighbors in Pomfret, Woodstock, Putnam, Thompson, Killingly and far beyond, offered love and support that lifted us. Their help has been outstanding.”  The congregation, led by Reverend Thomas Crumb, currently meets Sunday mornings in Clark Chapel, graciously offered by Pomfret School, and holds meetings in the Pomfret Senior Center.

The next shock will be the demolition of the remains of the building that for almost 200 years had hosted thousands of christenings, weddings, funerals, and events, great and small. “But we know it will lead to new, expanded opportunities,” said Rev. Crumb. 

Pomfret Congregational was founded, or “gathered” on Oct. 28, 1715. In 1832 it moved into the building in Pomfret Center that its members and neighbors knew and loved.  The congregation’s 300th anniversary is Oct. 28, 2015, and though no one will ever forget that terrible day of fire under a crisp December sky, the goal of the congregation now… is to dedicate to God their new church home on that day as they move forward with faith and dedication, serving God and the community.