Preservation 2020 #THISPLACEMATTERS

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The Killingworth Congregational Church is not only a place of faith, worship, and fellowship. It has been a beloved treasure of our quintessential New England town since 1820. Its reach goes far beyond the current congregation. Important rites of passage have occurred here throughout the years — baptisms, confirmations, marriages, and funerals. Our steeple has guided pilots home. Our bell and our carillon have brought joy and inspiration to those around us.

However, the need for restoration is evident to the members of our church and community, guests, and others who use our facilities. We are looking to raise the needed funds to restore and preserve our house of fellowship for future generations to come. 

We’ve consulted contractors and other tradespeople to inspect the church and its grounds. Listed are the key areas they have recommend that need to be repaired:

• Interior Dome: The interior dome repair from a recent leak is a priority among the needs of restoration. Securing the dome from above as well as repairing and painting it.
• Exterior: The exterior is in dire need of attention with large falling pieces, wood rot, and peeling paint. The parking lot pavement is cracked and is lifting in many areas making it unsafe. The septic system is also in need of repair.
• Bell, Clock, and Carillon: The bell headpiece, clapper spring, and clapper support assembly are so rusted that they can no longer ring it for safety reasons.
• Interior: The interior carpet is severely faded and is deteriorating from the sun.

This restoration project is also a preservation effort as we approach the 200th ‘birthday’ of our church building. There is much to do to bring this structure back…and to move it forward for the next 200 years. It will take a heartfelt effort of those who truly love this building to see it through.

Please help to keep our sanctuary from further deterioration. We need to give it the attention it deserves for future generations and celebrate those accomplishments on May 31, 2020…when it’s officially 200 years old.

 For more information, please contact Charlie Smith (860-663-1789). Please send donations to the Congregational Church in Killingworth, 273 Route 81, Killingworth, CT or click on the DONATE BUTTON.   As always, thank you for your interest and your support. 

 After four productive years, Preservation 2020 is entering the final phases of our church’s restoration project. Phase IV concluded in June with the clock installation including the mechanicals that control the hour and minute hands on the three clock faces on the steeple. 

Soon to follow this summer are Phases V and VI which includes parking lot paving and replacing the carpet and cushions in the sanctuary. 

Our goal is to complete all phases prior to our installation and dedication service this fall of 2023.

Additional funds for the parking lots and sanctuary carpets/cushions are still needed and greatly appreciated as we work toward our final goal in the church’s 203rd year. For more information, contact Preservation 2020 Chair Charlie Smith through the church office (860-663-1789). 

To get a drone’s-eye view of the steeple and belfry (and all the beautiful Killingworth scenery surrounding it), visit the Preservation 2020 page on Facebook.