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Town of Avon

The West Avon Congregational Church was organized November 20, 1751, as the "Church of Christ in Northington." Later, when Northington became the Town of Avon, the church was renamed "The First Church in Avon (West);" it took its present name, "West Avon Congregational Church," in 1960. The people of the area were originally part of Thomas Hooker's congregation which settled Farmington in 1640, organizing the church there in 1652.

For 250 years, West Avon's membership has been exemplified by a strong lay leadership with dedication to personal ministry. Women have played a key role in providing leadership and vision throughout our history, including, in recent years, the chairing of every functional lay group.

In addition to being responsible for the needs of the congregation, our membership has played a pro-active role ministering to the needs of the greater community, including the continuing support of ministries throughout the world; our outreach budget is currently approximately 20% of our current expenses. In addition to providing personal effort and financial support to the needs of society, this congregation has taken strong and often unpopular positions regarding political and social issues, and members have spoken out, fought, and died for their convictions.

The members and friends of our congregation come from many parts of the country and several foreign countries. They include retired ministers as well as local families whose roots go back to this church's earliest development, and whose dedication to Christian service and this congregation continues to enrich all of our lives.

Professional leadership with great energy, vision and understanding has highlighted out long history. From Ebenezer Booge and Rufus Hawley in the 1700s to Dr. Donald Ketcham, and our present minister, Dr. Brian Hardee, West Avon has been blessed with leadership for our times.

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