The Mt. Carmel Congregational Church

 Our History

            In the early part of the 18th century, families began migrating north from the New Haven Colony to an area known as "Blue Hills." The Blue Hills was named as such, for upon looking north from the waters of Long Island Sound, the hills gave off a bluish hue in the sun. Upon the arrival of English settlers, the area was re-named from Blue Hills to Mount Carmel, a title which was taken from the book of I Kings in the Bible, where the story is told of the showdown between the Prophet Elijah and the 450 prophets of Ba'al.

            As church attendance was a mandatory element of citizenship in the opening years of the 18th century, the faithful who moved to Mount Carmel were required to attend worship. Many of them headed south each week to worship in the New Haven Colony while others, finding the journey too long for practical purposes on Sundays, journeyed to North Haven or to Cheshire to attend services.         

            In 1757, a group of 46 men and women came together at Bellamy's Tavern on the road to Cheshire to draw together a petition for the establishment of a parish in Mt. Carmel. The petition had to go before the Connecticut Colonial Legislature in Hartford for approval. There was no separation of church and state at this time. Thus, it was an act of the Legislature in 1758 which created the Mt.Carmel parish. Soon thereafter a covenant was drawn up  which every person who joined the membership was required to endorse. A covenant is a written agreement among the members to assist one another in striving to serve God, both as individuals and as members of a community of faith. 

            Since petitioning for a parish in 1757, our church has grown in so many ways.  Over the years, we have had two church buildings serve as our home; the first was destroyed by fire and the second one we continue to enjoy. This latter church was built in 1840 and is on the National Registry of  Historic Landmarks. The Rev. Nathaniel Sherman, brother to Roger Sherman, served as one of our first settled pastors.

 Present Day

             In that a church is more than a building, our church's presence is manifested throughout the community and the world in many wonderful ways. As members of this ancient community of faith, we attempt to live by the principles of Biblical faith, understanding that the interpretation of that faith is inspired within each of us by the voice of God in our lives.

            We gather for worship every Sunday morning; for mid-week prayers during Advent and Lent; we come together regularly to celebrate the Sacraments, to Confirm those who have been instructed in membership, to join lives through the Rite of Marriage, and to celebrate the lives of those who have entered the gates of larger life. We are a community church in so many ways, as our doors are always open to those in need.

            If you are looking for a family, this is the church for you!  We look forward to speaking with you  about how you can be a part of the Midnight Run, Habitat for Humanity, Christian Education opportunities, Mt. Carmel Giants Softball team, spiritual reflection, music and choir opportunities, weddings, Baptisms, discussion groups, occasions for fellowship, Bible Study,  or any other opportunity. As you shall soon discover...truly, there is a place here for you!