Churches

Hampton Churches

The Hampton Congregational Church
United Church of Christ
263 Main St.
455-9677

Sunday Service

10:00 a.m.
followed by a coffee hour. All visitors are welcome.

In 1754, Thomas Stedman - a Hampton native who later became famous as an architect of Meeting Houses - designed the original 2-story building. The steeple was added in 1792. From age 20, when Stedman first designed the Meeting House until age 60, when he supervised some repairs, this "signature" building remained under his watchful eye.

The, in 1836, the building was remodeled to it current Greek Revival style, adding a full-facade entry porch, with 4 fluted Doric columns and pediment.

The only significant damage ever done to this church came during the hurricanes of 1814 and 1938 when - in both storms - the steeple and bell crashed to the ground. Each time the steeple was replaced, stronger timbers were used. The bell has remained the same.

Today this church building has the distinction of being the 2nd oldest Meeting House in continuous use in Connecticut.

To learn more about holiday services, mission and outreach programs, Christian education, membership, marriages, baptisms, pastoral care and the Ladies Aid Society, call 455-9677 or visit the website: http://www.hamptonucc.org

Text from 'Hampton... a very special place'; written by Barbara Andersen; used with permission.

Our Lady of Lourdes
Roman Catholic Church
41 Cedar Swamp Road
455-9897

Mass
Sundays Holy Days
9:30 a.m. 6:00 p.m.

All are welcome

This handsome wooden Church - based on the design of St. Joseph Church in Occum - was built in 1877 on land donated by former Governor, Chauncey Cleveland. The sharp angle of the roof, which is accented by a steeple that rises gracefully from columns on either side if the front door, gives this Gothic Revival gem an exaggerated sense of height.

Hampton has a substantial Catholic population in the mid 1800's but the only way they could worship together was in someone's home. The resident priest from Danielson joined them whenever possible to celebrate Mass. When the Church doors opened in 1877, Catholics from Hampton and nearby towns filled the pews.

Today - after very careful restoration, the interior sparkles! Onlooking angles "watch" as light - reflecting from golden details - enhances other colors an illuminates the entire sanctuary. The original altar configuration is being restored.

If you want to learn more about holiday Masses and pageants, mission and outreach programs, religious education classes, membership, marriages, baptisms, and confirmations, call 455-9897 or 774-6375.

Text from 'Hampton... a very special place'; written by Barbara Andersen; used with permission.

The Howard Valley Christian Church
182 Windham Road

Built in 1843 on land owned by Jesse Burnham and Ezra Starkweather, and originally named the Burnham Baptist Church - this is a wonderful example of rural Greek Revival style. The full-facade entry porch, with it 4 fluted Doric columns, welcomes parishioners. There are 2 paneled doors that flank a large center window and open into a spacious vestibule.

This compact wooden building set down on vertically-laid granite slabs, underwent a major restoration in 1954. That same year, it re-opened as the Howard Valley Christian Church. Once again there were weekly Sunday Services.

Almost 20 years later, major repairs were made to the cupola-style bell tower.

Then in 1975, regular weekly services were no longer offered.

Today the Church is only open for one service a year, which is held in early September. All are welcome - and many come. But, a word to the wise, do not come late assuming you can slip in unnoticed, because as soon as you open the door to the sanctuary, you will see the pews - and the congregation - facing you!

To learn more about this charming Church, the early September service, or how it can be made available for a wedding, call Marion (Burnham) Halbach at 455-9109.

Text from 'Hampton... a very special place'; written by Barbara Andersen; used with permission.