Congregationalism had its genesis in England and was carried to the shores of America by our Pilgrim
Fathers. During the early history of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, Congregationalism was the state
church. Every individual in a community, therefore, regardless of creed, was taxed to support the
Congregational Church in his parish. As a result, many of the people who supported the church and who
were known as members of the society were not members of the state church and were, therefore,
prohibited from voting on any issue pertaining to the spiritual offices of the church. These persons could
cast a vote (as members of the society) upon matters pertaining to the church property, which each society
owned and controlled in their respective parishes. The society raised and dispensed all monies needed
and used. However, the state churches no longer exist; therefore, any member of the community who
contributes annually to the support of our church may be eligible to become a member of the First
Congregational Church by attending the meetings and being voted into full membership.
Fathers. During the early history of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, Congregationalism was the state
church. Every individual in a community, therefore, regardless of creed, was taxed to support the
Congregational Church in his parish. As a result, many of the people who supported the church and who
were known as members of the society were not members of the state church and were, therefore,
prohibited from voting on any issue pertaining to the spiritual offices of the church. These persons could
cast a vote (as members of the society) upon matters pertaining to the church property, which each society
owned and controlled in their respective parishes. The society raised and dispensed all monies needed
and used. However, the state churches no longer exist; therefore, any member of the community who
contributes annually to the support of our church may be eligible to become a member of the First
Congregational Church by attending the meetings and being voted into full membership.
The First Congregational Church in Fall River was organized
January 9, 1816. (The settlement, now Fall River, was then
called Troy.) The Church began with five members: Joseph
Durfee and Elizabeth, his wife; Wealthy, wife of Charles
Durfee; Benjamin Brayton; and Richard Durfee. They chose
the Congregational form of government and bound
themselves together by covenant after the Congregational
fashion. For seven years they had no place for public worship
nor any settled minister, but their fellowship increased, and
they formed a Sunday School of one hundred members.
Their first Meeting House was dedicated February, 1823.
Some years later, they sold it to the Unitarian Society. That
Society later sold it to the City, which made a schoolhouse of
it. It was burned in the great fire of 1843.
January 9, 1816. (The settlement, now Fall River, was then
called Troy.) The Church began with five members: Joseph
Durfee and Elizabeth, his wife; Wealthy, wife of Charles
Durfee; Benjamin Brayton; and Richard Durfee. They chose
the Congregational form of government and bound
themselves together by covenant after the Congregational
fashion. For seven years they had no place for public worship
nor any settled minister, but their fellowship increased, and
they formed a Sunday School of one hundred members.
Their first Meeting House was dedicated February, 1823.
Some years later, they sold it to the Unitarian Society. That
Society later sold it to the City, which made a schoolhouse of
it. It was burned in the great fire of 1843.
Shortly before her death, a munificent bequest from Miss
Sarah S. Brayton made possible the noble building in
which the Church now works and worships. It was
dedicated January 9, 1913. Its towers look out upon the
City, and its spacious hospitality entertains groups,
causes, and activities that made Miss Brayton's bequest
a continuing service to the higher life in Fall River. The
history of the City, of Massachusetts and National
Congregationalism, and of Home and Foreign Missions
are all interwoven in the 177 years of a Church that
began so simply and has grown so strong.
Sarah S. Brayton made possible the noble building in
which the Church now works and worships. It was
dedicated January 9, 1913. Its towers look out upon the
City, and its spacious hospitality entertains groups,
causes, and activities that made Miss Brayton's bequest
a continuing service to the higher life in Fall River. The
history of the City, of Massachusetts and National
Congregationalism, and of Home and Foreign Missions
are all interwoven in the 177 years of a Church that
began so simply and has grown so strong.
The dignified Stone Church in which the congregation
worshipped for eighty years was dedicated November
21, 1832. The Female Benevolent Society was
organized January 21, 1869. The women of the
Church have been distinctive in their service.
Christian missions and all good causes have been
blessed by their fidelity and the record of what they
have been and done is a shining chapter in the history
of the Church.
worshipped for eighty years was dedicated November
21, 1832. The Female Benevolent Society was
organized January 21, 1869. The women of the
Church have been distinctive in their service.
Christian missions and all good causes have been
blessed by their fidelity and the record of what they
have been and done is a shining chapter in the history
of the Church.
The Church grew and prospered in Fall River. Its men and women have been outstanding in the industrial,
religious, medical, and philanthropic affairs of the City for 162 years. Its ministers have been capable and
distinguished. The long pastorate of Dr. William W. Adams (only a few months short of 50 years) was
epochal and his amazing erudition gave wisdom and grace to the generation to which he ministered.
religious, medical, and philanthropic affairs of the City for 162 years. Its ministers have been capable and
distinguished. The long pastorate of Dr. William W. Adams (only a few months short of 50 years) was
epochal and his amazing erudition gave wisdom and grace to the generation to which he ministered.
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| 2007 First Congregational Church of Fall River All Rights Reserved |
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| First Meeting House |
| Stone Church 1832 - 1913 |
| Current Church 1913 - Present |