Middletown History Sunday at First Church

The entire Middletown Community is invited to learn about and celebrate Middletown’s early history on Sunday, November 22, at First Church of Christ, Congregational, 190 Court Street. The worship service begins at 10 a.m. and the 2^nd Hour program, led by Dionne Longley, begins at 11:30 a.m. in the Memorial Room. Visitors are invited to attend either part or both parts of the morning’s program.

Why did English Puritans settlers come to Middletown in 1650? What had they experienced back in England and what kind of life were they hoping for here?

Since our community’s history is a fabric made from many threads over many years, our worship service will reflect that diversity. We will show how hymns were taught to worshippers who couldn’t read, and we’ll revisit the Covenant of 1668. We will also play African drums and sing traditional as well as contemporary church music. See our antique communion silverware, made from coins donated by parishioners (usually on display at the Wadsworth Antheneum).

For 2^nd hour, Di Longley, former Executive Director of the Middlesex County Historical Society, will be our speaker. Di will take listeners on a walk back in time to meet the village's settlers, a band of brave Puritans who were models of piety and morality--or were they? Hear about their antics and experiences. If you're looking for devout Puritans and strait-laced Victorians--you won't find them here.

For more information, call (860)-346-6657 x13 or visit the First Church website.