Video by Tristan Pinnock
About Us
As the founding church of Little Compton, The Congregational church sits at the highest point of the Commons and has served as a beacon both literally and figuratively for the town. Through the years, this church has meant a lot to many people and they have celebrated their special occasions through weddings, baptisms and funerals, as members and non members alike. The Summer Church Fair has been a community event for over 60 years and people near and far have enjoyed concerts both inside and out on the lawn under a big tent in the North Garden. AS it was the founding church of Little Compton, this Church has always been considered ‘the town’s church’ and has visually welcomed residents and visitors into Little Compton throughout the ages. As one person has stated,”I know when I arrive in Little Compton and see the white steeple, my summer vacation has begun”.
For generations, this historic building has
stood on the highest ground of the Commons,
serving as the meetinghouse and gathering place
of the community of Little Compton.
-Chris & Marlene Smith
Tiverton, RI
The idea for the Landmark Preservation Fund was hatched in 2024 when a group of Trustees of the Church realized that the church building possessed a greater story that exists beyond the church’s present congregation out into the community. It was this understanding of the church’s broader appeal that led them to reach out to Trinity Church in Newport, RI where supporters had established a separate Landmark Fund that has been successfully operating for over 35 years, addressing the ongoing maintenance of that magnificent building through generous support from admirers throughout the state and beyond. The board met with the Landmark Fund’s President, Jeff Gordon who generously and completely described the Landmark Preservation Fund in Newport and how something similar may work for Little Compton. Since the Congregational church building was also that type of iconic structure, the Trinity model became an inspiration.
In response, the Landmark Preservation Fund, a nonprofit, sustainable entity has been created with the sole mission of preserving and maintaining our historic landmark so that it will last for centuries to come. The motivation of this Fund is to provide a cushion of support for the physical church and its immediate grounds that operates separately from the functioning ministry. The Fund operates under a separate 501c3, with a board of governors comprised of church members and expanding to community members as well. The hallmark of the Fund is a 10 year assessment of the building provided by preservation Architect, Cornelius deBoer that dictates the timeline for carrying out needed repairs and general maintenance, essentially planning for the future of this important building so that nothing pops up unforeseen. The board will also be responsible for raising the funds that will steward this process smoothly and effectively. Donations received will be invested by the Fund with the investment firm of Slocum & Gordon in Newport, who have expertly and conservatively presided over the Landmark Fund for Trinity Church. In 1987 they raised $500,000. Since then they have spent over $3,000,000 in maintenance for Trinity Church and have managed to have $1,500.000 remaining in their Fund as of 2025. Our Goal is to raise funds from people who love this building as much as we do.
If you would like to join us in seeing that the United Congregational church of Little Compton remains in its present glory for everyone to enjoy and be proud of, please consider making a donation to the Landmark Preservation Fund at 1 Commons today.
Founding Board Members
Holly Hurd DiMauro
Christopher W. Smith
Marlene M. Smith
David Dymecki
Help preserve the United Congregational Church of Little Compton
Join us in seeing that the United Congregational church of Little Compton remains in its present glory for everyone to enjoy and be proud of, please consider making a donation to the Landmark Preservation Fund at 1 Commons today.