Keeping History Aloft: The Restoration of Wethersfield’s First Church Steeple”

 You can feel time stand still for a moment, almost as if holding its breath. Standing in the heart of the historic town of Wethersfield, the First Church of Christ silently guards the rich history of the town, Connecticut, and of New England itself. Seasons change. The years roll apace, but this church remains.

Yet, as with all living things, maintenance is essential. The steeple of First Church, still starkly white, requires a complete restoration process. The wooden structure looms seven stories tall. A thorough restoration transpired in the 1970s after previous Victorian Era work. The steeple’s classic, Georgian appearance was restored.

Now, according to Rev. Todd Willard, a new chapter in the steeple’s history awaits. Will the public help in this venture and what obstacles lie ahead?

Guiding Spire

 In August of 1774, John Adams wrote, “We went up the Steeple of Weathersfield Meeting House from whence is the most grand and beautifull Prospect in the World, at least that I ever saw.” The summer sun beat down upon the church, but Adams was enraptured. He most likely had a clear view of the Connecticut River and even the distant city of Hartford.

A native of Massachusetts, Adams knew his local region and added to his store of knowledge as he traveled about the colonies. He advocated for deeper unification as the united colonies fought against the troops of King George III. The Declaration of Independence was still two years off, and the rebellion’s success remained uncertain.

The First Congregational Church had watched over the town since 1635, long before the sound of musket-fire at Lexington and Concord. Willard, who serves as pastor, celebrates his own connections with Wethersfield’s pre-revolutionary past.

“My own family has been in town since the late 1600s,” Willard told Presence News on Dec. 31. “We have been consistently worshipping at First Church since that time. Aside from one of my ancestors who was an elder at First Church in those early years I am the first to serve in the role of pastor.

For Willard, past and present blend in his daily life as he carries out his various duties in the church. Willard sets his sight on the future and the coming generations. Balancing the needs of a current congregation while preserving tradition can weigh heavily.

“We are an active church with a heart for reaching out,” Willard explained. “There is the tension we experience from passersby who might think we are a museum, connected with the other historic buildings in our neighborhood. This is both a challenge and an opportunity.”

Hard Lessons

Concerns regarding what befell the First Congregational Church in New London, Connecticut, also serves as a powerful motivator. As one media source said, “the skyline of New London” changed forever. Thousands walk and/or drive past local landmarks, paying little attention until they are no longer present.

In January 2024, the stone steeple of the Congregational church abruptly crumbled. Residents watched in disbelief as rumble scattered across the church steps. Thankfully, no one was injured due to the historic building’s collapse. “It could have been a much bigger disaster for us,” Mayor Michael Passero told reporters.

The New London church shared a similar beginning as First Church in Wethersfield. According to reports, the New London church was designed by renowned Jewish-American architect Leopold Eidlitz, in the mid-1800s. Its grand stone edifice succumbed to time, and Willard seeks to keep the same from happening to First Church. 

In our current time, many express a desire to tear down older centers of worship in favor of newer structures or meeting in private homes. “Sometimes building first necessitates breaking,” blogger John Pavlovitz  wrote in 2015. “Sometimes what is, is so unhealthy or unstable or corroded that it has to be removed for the sake of what will be.”

However, Willard says “the building of a newer structure has never been a considered viewpoint” in the restoration process. “The church simply holds too much historical significance not only for our town but for our nation,” he said.

New Heights

 Every undertaking and every journey begins with small steps. Progress is measured as goals are achieved. Willard told Presence News they worked with a local architect, TLB Architecture, in Chester. “They did a deep dive into the structures to assess what was going on and in need of repair. They were excellent!” Willard explained.

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=24775630598775990

According to Willard, the total sum for the restoration rings in at “little more than $2 million.” Scaffolding is expected to go up in early 2027. Another year’s worth of work will then ensue. Willard says First Church embraces the challenges of fundraising as an opportunity to reach out to a broader base of supporters. Local officials and historical organizations have expressed interest.

“It is our hope that the restoration and maintenance of our church building will keep it available and accessible for generations to come as we continue to tell the great stories of our nation’s history,” Willard said.

The project is “on track,” according to Willard, and anticipates the funds to be found over the coming year. He views the restoration process as part of an even greater story.

“It is humbling to be a part of such a long history especially with my own family connection to the town,” Willard concluded. “The perspective of a long history like ours serves as a regular reminder that each of us is truly a small piece of a much greater narrative. That is grounding and a helpful reminder of how precious each of our lives truly is.”

Sources:

When Rebuilding The Church Looks Like Destroying It

Historic church collapses in downtown New London

Our History | First Church of Christ in Wethersfield

Wethersfield church looks to ‘save the steeple’ — YouTube

New London church collapse: one year later — YouTube

Wethersfield Historical Society — “The First Church of Christ — Wethersfield History”

New England Public Media — “Historic church collapses in downtown New London, Connecticut”

NBC Connecticut — “Wethersfield church looks to ‘save the steeple’”

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