Hampton Congregational Church |
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The Congregational Church was organized February 15, 1853, by Rev. A. B. Hitchcock, and started with a membership of 14 among whom were the following:
Luther Pearsall and wife The house of worship still stands, but the tall steeple has been removed, leaving only the belfry. William Luce built the church during the years of 1856-1857, at the cost of about $2500. In this old church the Blacks, Bakers, Thomases, Vincents, Heagys, Stoddards, Clarks, Clapps, Cromptons, McNabeys and many others gathered to worship. The pastors were Rev. A. B. Hitchcock, Rev. Wm. Porter, Rev. Miles and Rev. Almer Harper. Through removals and other causes, the membership dwindled and finally dissolved, some of the members joining the Methodist church. The trustees, by act of the remaining membes transferred the title to the building and lot to the village of Hampton, to be held in trust for the benefit and use of the Sons of Veterans and Ladies' Auxiliary, and other patriotic organizations. It is now called the Community Hall. The Church had a fine bell weighing over 600 pounds, and when it was firs installed, it used to be rung at 12 noon by Henry Clark to give the correct time. The bell is still there, but is seldom rung, its silence a reminder of the days long past.
Information submitted by Mary and Rock Nelson of
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