Monroe Congregational Church (1847–Present)

Welcome back, Monroe history lovers. This week’s historical spotlight takes us to Monroe Center. The address is 34 Church Street. There, we find a landmark church that stands as a spiritual sentinel over the Monroe Center Green to its south. The very history of our town’s existence is tied directly to the establishment of this Church. Are you ready for a glimpse of its amazing history in our town? Let us gather over at the Monroe Center Green and learn of our town’s earliest ecclesiastical roots.

In May 1762, the General Assembly of the Governor and Company of his Majesty’s Colony of Connecticut at Hartford approved the establishment of a distinct “Ecclesiastical Society” in “New Stratford,” which is now the town of Monroe. The society’s original church building, which was raised in 1769, would have been referred to as a meetinghouse. Our first supporting image is a woodblock print from 1836 which shows the first meetinghouse at Monroe Center. The print was made by celebrated native Connecticut artist and historian, John Warner Barber. How’s that for a heavenly slice of a Southern New England green? Just beautiful.

The current Monroe Congregational Church building, which replaced it, was raised and dedicated in 1847 at a cost of $2,650, and stands adjacent to the east of the original 1769 church location. Although often referred to as Gothic Revival in design, the church building lacks the features so prevalent in Gothic architecture, such as buttressed walls, soaring vaulted ceilings and pointed-arch entries and windows. A closer examination of the structure reveals it’s, instead, a restrained combination of Italianate and board-and-batten design. This unique blend of design influences is credited to Hotchkiss & Clark Co., a period architectural firm based in Derby.

In 1886, Beardsley Hall, located just east of the current church, was constructed as the first parish hall. The project was funded by Mrs. Elizabeth Beardsley, the wife of Dr. Edward Beardsley. In 1935, The Monroe Consolidated School, today known as Monroe Elementary School, was opened, and all of Monroe’s seven former district schoolhouses were auctioned off in a single day. The Monroe Congregational Church placed the winning bid for the old Monroe Center schoolhouse, built c. 1830. It was rolled on logs pulled by a team of horses to the church property and annexed to the north gable end of Beardsley Hall. The old schoolhouse, still evident today, continues its educational legacy as part of Gingerbread School House, a popular preschool.

Rexford House, the church’s parish hall of modern design, was raised and dedicated in 1968, at the rear of the property to the north. Fine portrait paintings are contained within of the first pastor, Reverend Elisha Rexford and his wife, Sarah. Reverend Rexford served his congregation for 43 years, until his death in 1808, and was a Revolutionary War chaplain. One of the first libraries in Monroe was established by Reverend Rexford in the 18th century and was located within his home on Fan Hill Road, a short distance north of the church property.

I hope you enjoyed this week’s historical spotlight on The Monroe Congregational Church and its history related to the establishment of our town. Please share this post with your family and friends and thank you for your continued support and interest in Monroe’s rich ecclesiastical and architectural history. Until next time, what I wouldn’t do right now to be enjoying a strawberry shortcake on the Monroe Center Green on a warm summer’s day. I’m sure you can relate. Warmer days are coming soon. Let us pray.

Regards,

Kevin Daly
Historian, Monroe Historical Society
www.monroecthistory.org
Our Past is Always Present