How We Became the Second Congregational Church

Second Congregational Church has a long and interesting history. The original town of Bennington was in the area now known as “Old Bennington,” a village at the top of the hill with the First Church at its center. In the 1820’s and 30’s, water-powered industry developed at the foot of the hill, and the center of population shifted. Climbing the hill for multiple services each week, often carrying children, proved onerous. In 1836, “Old First Church” granted letters of Dismission to 45 of its members allowing them to form  a church down in the valley, and Second Congregational Church was born.

The first church building was a converted house. When the church building burned down in 1864, the congregation was flourishing and needed a bigger facility. So, a large brick edifice was built on Main Street, along with a chapel around the corner on School Street. Later, a parsonage was added.

The church survived a fire in 1925; but by 1958, it became clear that the building needed major repairs and the congregation was shrinking.  After an offer was made for the Main Street property, the church accepted donated land on Hillside Street and built its current structure there.  (The architect was L.L. Rado of Raymond and Rado, New York City). The building was dedicated in March of 1960. Its construction was sorely tested but survived a major gas explosion in 1961. The damaged building was repaired, and Second Congregational Church survived.

Second Congregational Church has been a part of the United Church of Christ for over 50 years and is Vermont’s first ‘Open and Affirming’ UCC church. This means that it has publicly declared that “gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer”  (LGBTQ+) or those of all “sexual orientations” and “gender expressions” are welcome in its full life and ministry (e.g. membership, leadership, employment ,etc. ) It speaks to a spirit of hospitality and a willingness to live out that welcome in meaningful ways.