Through the Years
A sacred gathering place since 1745.
The story of Union Congregational Church is deeply woven into the fabric of Peterborough’s history. From a humble log meetinghouse to a vibrant Open and Affirming congregation, we’ve worshiped, served, and grown together for more than 275 years.
Early Beginnings (1745–1822)
Our roots go back to the Scotch-Irish settlers who founded Peterborough in the mid-1700s. In 1745, they built the town’s first meetinghouse—a simple log structure where both civic and spiritual life took place. As the community expanded, this was replaced by a larger building, and in 1799, the Rev. Elijah Dunbar was called as minister.
The congregation blended Congregational worship with Presbyterian polity, reflecting the diverse faith traditions of early New England. In 1822, a formal Presbyterian Society was established, becoming the foundation of what would grow into today’s Union Congregational Church.
Gordon’s Corner & the Brick Church (1802–1839)
In 1802, the congregation built a new meetinghouse at Gordon’s Corner—now the intersection of Old Street Road and Sand Hill Road. The church was constructed using bricks from the nearby Hadley Brickyard, a reminder of our town’s local industry and resourcefulness.
This location served the congregation for nearly 40 years, until the town center gradually shifted closer to the river.
A New Home on Concord Street (1839–1858)
As Peterborough grew, so did the need for a more central church. In 1839, the old building was dismantled, and its bricks and timbers were reused to construct a new sanctuary on Concord Street—our current home.
To fund the building, pews were sold at “public venue” for $25 a share. The new church was dedicated in 1840, and the Rev. James French, a Presbyterian pastor, was the first to preach from the pulpit. In 1841, the 1,258-pound bell was installed in the steeple, where it still rings to this day.
Union & Growth (1858–1894)
In 1858, the Presbyterian and Congregational members formally united as the Union Evangelical Church, with 67 charter members. The following year, the Rev. George Dustan was ordained as the church’s first official Congregational pastor, serving for 25 years.
This was a period of spiritual and community growth:
- The first church choir was organized.
- Sunday School programs flourished for children and young adults.
- The Ladies’ Circle of Industry—now Women’s Fellowship—was formed in 1855.
In 1894, the congregation changed its name to Union Congregational Church, marking a final step away from formal Presbyterian affiliation.
A Church for the Community (1897–1961)
In 1897, the church purchased a farmhouse on Pine Street to serve as a parsonage. It remained the minister’s home until 1922, when the original house was replaced with a new residence on the same site.
Throughout the early 20th century, Union Congregational Church continued to serve as a spiritual home and civic presence in the community—hosting worship, fellowship, mission work, and support during times of both hardship and hope.
Becoming UCC (1961–Today)
In 1961, our church joined the United Church of Christ, a new denomination formed by the union of the Evangelical and Reformed Church and the Congregational Christian Church. This step affirmed our commitment to unity, justice, and a still-speaking God.
Today, Union Congregational Church is proud to be an Open and Affirming congregation, welcoming all people with compassion and joy—regardless of background, identity, or where they are on life’s journey.
We honor our past not by standing still, but by continuing to grow in faith and service, together.
Around the Church
We’ve recently explored the nooks and crannies of our historic building—from the steeple to the organ loft. Discover more about our space:
- [Our Steeple & Bell]
- [Our Organ
