Our History

These words, carved in the Arch Street wall of Fellowship House of South Congregational/First Baptist Church, represent not only the present concept of ministry shared by the members of the church, but also the history of the two congregations even before their union in 1974. South Church is two historic downtown churches joined in ministry.

First Baptist Church was formed in 1808 by a small group of believers. Through its first century it outgrew three meeting houses, settling into its fourth building in time for a centennial celebration. South Congregational Church was founded in 1842 by some of the leading citizens of New Britain. For 65 years South Congregational and First Baptist anchored opposite ends of Main Street.

Throughout their history the two churches have been linked in friendship and cooperation. They both were leaders in the beginnings of ecumenical efforts at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries sponsoring community-wide mission weeks, Bible study and religious education classes, and joint worship services. When each experienced a fire, the other was the first to offer assistance.