Mission Statement

We, as God's Children

in The First Congregational Church in Stoneham

come together to grow in our faith in Jesus Christ.

Through worshipping, teaching, nurturing, forgiving

accepting and serving, we share God's love and joy

with each other, our community and the world.

History

In 1725, the residents of Charlestown accepted the local farmers’ petition that Stoneham be set aside as a town. The 300 residents received a charter and, shortly thereafter in 1726, the Meetinghouse was established where the men of the town could discuss all important issues that occurred and all the residents could worship on Sundays. The Meetinghouse was the center for all political, social, and religious matters. This became the First Congregational Church of Stoneham in 1729 as well (it originally had thirteen male members).

The first Meetinghouse was at the junction of Pleasant and Summer Streets. It was at this place where topics such as the Revolutionary War came up, stimulating Stoneham to send 98 men to fight for their independence. It was at the second Meetinghouse in 1839 where the town fathers passed a resolution against slavery. However, a fire in 1840 destroyed this building. Within the year the new and final Meetinghouse, our present day church, was built on Main Street larger by 24 pews. In 1855 the church allowed women to become voting members.

In 1943 Purpose School was started with 90 pre-school and kindergarten students. This was the beginning of great things for the youth of the town, leading to the construction of the Christian Education building with classrooms, offices, a complete kitchen, Fellowship Hall and other spaces. Besides Purpose School and our own church family events, we host numerous other town organizations like the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, AA, and the Red Cross blood drives.

The church began further serving the community in 1995 by hosting a weekly interfaith community dinner program which the other faith groups in town participate in monthly.

The First Congregational Church in Stoneham is very rich in history. Although we realize we have done great things in the past, we hope our best work is in the future.