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First Church of Christ in Hartford (Center Church)

Center Church: A Beacon of Faith and Black History on the Connecticut Freedom Trail

The First Church of Christ in Hartford, known as Center Church, is one of Connecticut’s most historic religious and cultural institutions. Founded in 1632 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and relocated to Hartford in 1636 by Reverend Thomas Hooker and his followers, the church has stood as a symbol of faith, resilience, and advocacy for nearly 400 years. Its rich history is deeply connected to the foundations of Hartford and the broader struggle for freedom and equality in the state.

Early History and Black Community Advocacy

Center Church’s early commitment to justice is evident in its support for abolition and the advancement of African Americans. In the early 19th century, a group of African American parishioners began worshiping at Center Church. By 1820, they formed the Talcott Street Congregational Church, Hartford’s first African American Congregational Church, marking a critical moment in the city’s Black history. The church also hosted abolitionist events, including Frederick Douglass’s first pro-abolition speech in Hartford in 1843, held on the church’s portico when other venues denied him entry.

In 1828, Center Church welcomed Prince Abdulrahman Ibrahima ibn Sori, a formerly enslaved Muslim royal from West Africa, for a fundraising event organized by the American Colonization Society. His visit highlighted the church’s engagement with national and international issues of freedom and human rights.

Historic Contributions and Ongoing Legacy

Center Church has played a pivotal role in significant moments of Connecticut’s and the nation’s history. It hosted the drafting of the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut in 1639, a document that laid the foundation for American democracy. The church’s openness to diverse faiths was exemplified in 1813 when it hosted Hartford’s first Roman Catholic Mass.

Today, the church stands as a testament to Hartford’s enduring history of inclusion and activism. As part of the Connecticut Freedom Trail, Center Church invites visitors to reflect on its role in fostering Black community empowerment, supporting abolitionist efforts, and advocating for justice throughout its centuries-long history.

Through its enduring commitment to faith, social justice, and community, Center Church remains a beacon of inspiration, connecting Hartford’s past to its future.

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Opening hours

  • Monday
    Closed
  • Tuesday
    9:30 am - 2:30 pm
  • Wednesday
    9:30 am - 2:30 pm
  • Thursday
    9:30 am - 2:30 pm
  • Friday
    9:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Saturday
    Closed
  • Sunday
    10:00 am - 12:00 pm

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