History

From 1675 up to the present

1675
1675
The First Settlement
The First Settlement

In 1675, Col. Benjamin Church, a key figure in King Philip’s War, builds the first European homestead in Little Compton. The adjacent burial ground, dating from this time, would later become the cemetery of the United Congregational Church.

1694
1694
Founding the Meeting House
Founding the Meeting House

In 1694, a small group of settlers from Plymouth and Duxbury builds a rustic meeting house on the Common. It serves as both a place of worship and town governance. The congregation includes notable early members like Elizabeth Alden Pabodie, daughter of Mayflower passengers John and Priscilla Alden.

1724
1724
A New Church Structure
A New Church Structure

To separate church and state, the town votes in 1724 to construct a new building solely for worship. Built next to the old meeting house, it cost $2,600 and marks the permanent site of the church.

1832
1832
Rebuilding on the Common
Rebuilding on the Common

In 1832, the aging structure is replaced with a new one-story meeting house. Its pews face south, and the entrance placed visitors directly before the congregation.

1840
1840
The First Organ
The First Organ

The church installs its first organ, deepening the worship experience through music.

1861
1861
Renovation and Reorientation
Renovation and Reorientation

The pews are reversed to face a newly decorated front. The choir loft, still in use today, is constructed.

1871
1871
Victorian Gothic Transformation
Victorian Gothic Transformation

In 1871, the entire church is lifted by ropes, pulleys, and oxen to create a second floor beneath it. A steeple, vestibule, and narthex are added in the Victorian Gothic style. The building is painted white to unify its updated appearance.

1938
1938
Great Hurricane of 1938
Great Hurricane of 1938

The Steeple blows down on September 21st in the famous hurricane of that year. Mrs. Phillip Almy, the clerk at that time writes: “Like an old tired warrior, it staggered, and fell, piercing the roof of the church.” The first female minister of the church, Miss Sarah Dixon organizes the restoration of the steeple. That year also sees to the remodeling of the interior, restoring it back to Colonial simplicity guided by the Architect Miles Standish Richmond from Brookline Ma. and a grandson of Isaac Bailey Richmond, a pillar of the church (1795-1888).

1974
1974
A Steeple Restored
A Steeple Restored

In 1974, concern over the steeple’s tilt led to its removal and repair under architect Cory deBoer. The roof and rafters were replaced, and the restored steeple was lifted back into place.

2001
2001
A New Era for Music
A New Era for Music

The choir loft is expanded and refinished to welcome a new organ and enhance the church’s musical tradition.

2018
2018
A More Welcoming Entrance
A More Welcoming Entrance

In 2018, the north addition is expanded to create a larger, accessible entrance with updated walkways, a landscaped garden, and new flowering trees.

This Poem was written by the architect of the restoration of the steeple after it fell in the hurricane of 1938. The poem was further inspired by the recollection that this steeple appears on many navigation charts, including those used by the United States Navy.

OUR STEEPLE

As a beacon stands our steeple, for the ships at sea,
May it also call Thy people, far and near, to Thee.
Standing white and pointing upward, up to Thee above,
As a symbol, through the ages of our faith, Thy love.

Wind and storms at times surround it, and the world seems drear,
Through the clouds there soon comes sunshine. Always Thou art near.
From the Architect in Heaven, beauty comes below,
May we follow in His footsteps, spread it where we go.

Memories of those before us, of their deeds well done,
Ever are an inspiration, spur us on and on.  With Thy help we’ll keep on building, for Thy church today,
And for future generations. Guide us well, we pray.

-Miles Standish Richmond