The Congregational Christian Church of Somerset is a church with an illustrious past,
a challenging present, and a future that calls us to be all that we can be for the glory of God.

	Congregational Christian Church of Somerset, UCC 1411 County St. Somerset, MA 02726 (508)672-6623 The Rev. Paula Durrant email: pdurrant@capecod.net
Beginnings & Faith Heritage Pastors		Building & renovations Missions

   The story began in 1838 when a group of Thirty, known as the "Christian Band", signed a covenant to organize a church community in Pottersville. The covenant led, in November, 1840, to the construction of a meeting house through pledges totaling $1,220 and land donated by Samuel Purinton, founder of the church and a former Quaker. On May 26, 1841, a double ceremony was held for the dedication of the new meeting house and the acceptance into the Christian denomination, a choice permitting continued strong emphasis upon the roles of the laity. Later that year William Shurtleff was called to be the first pastor of the religious society known as the First Christian Union Society in Somerset, Massachusetts. By 1842 the membership grew to 100.

   It was not until September 28, 1911, that the First Christian Church, as it came to be known, was incorporated under the laws of Massachusetts. In 1931 the denominations of the Congregational Churches and the Christian Church united and became the Congregational Christian Churches. However, it was not until the 1939 annual meeting that a vote was taken to change the name to the Congregational Christian Church of Somerset Centre. In 1957 the Congregational Christian Churches joined the Evangelical and Reformed Church to become the United Church of Christ. Our local Congregational Christian Church of Somerset voted to approve the constitution of the U.C.C. and to become a part of it.

   There has been a succession of Thirty-two pastors but only three served longer than five years. Frank Gardner served for 21 years (1917-1938). William Sargent for ten years (1942-1952), and H. Merrill Emery for 35 years (1956-1991). The calling of Susan Horgan-Baker and Richard Baker represented a bold step of faith by the congregation in affirming the role of women in ordained ministry and the concept of co-pastors.

The Rev. Paula Durrant was  installed on October 4, 1998.

   The church building has seen some major renovations over the years.

1. In the early 1950's
• the pipe organ was replaced with an electric organ
• the central pulpit was replaced with the present split chancel
• the choir seats were relocated
• carpeting was installed throughout
2. A major addition to the building was dedicated in April 1960
• classrooms
• kitchen
• fellowship hall with stage
• church office
• pastor's study
• other rooms
3. The 150th anniversary celebration of the church in 1991 saw the completion of many other projects.
• Among them were an enlarged parking area
• handicap accessibility to both floors of the church building
• a new resource center
• air conditioning of the sanctuary

   The church has always had a strong mission outreach to meet the needs of the local community. Currently this local outreach is evidenced in the Somerset Children's Center, the United Families organization, the Parish Nurse program, and contributions of time and talent by individual members to the Charlton Hospital, the Red Cross, and other charitable groups. In addition, the church continues to make substantial contributions to benevolences and missions throughout the United States and the world.

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