United Church On the Green

United Church on the Green: A Historic Center of Abolition and Justice

Built in 1815 by architect David Hoadley, the United Church on the Green—originally known as North Church—has long been a site of faith, activism, and social justice. In 1884, North Church merged with Third Church to form a united congregation, both of which were deeply involved in the early abolitionist movement in the United States.

Abolitionist Leaders and the Amistad Case

• Simeon Jocelyn, a founding member of Third Church, was among the three founders of the Amistad Committee, which worked to raise legal and living expenses for the Amistad captives during their landmark trial. After the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the captives’ freedom, the committee arranged for their return to Africa.
• Roger Sherman Baldwin, a member of North Church and a New Haven attorney, played a pivotal role in the Amistad case, successfully defending the Africans’ right to freedom over two years of legal proceedings.

Honoring a Legacy of Justice

Today, a plaque inside the church honors Roger Sherman Baldwin and his father, commemorating their active role in the Amistad trial. The United Church on the Green remains a powerful symbol of abolitionist history, reflecting Connecticut’s commitment to justice, equality, and human rights.

This site is open to the public