Renovating a Landmark On the Green

Natural light poured into the worship room of Monroe Congregational Church from a row of enormous, clear glass windows Friday afternoon.

"These windows were Puritan style without any fancy colors," The Rev. Jennifer Gingras said, while standing among the pews. "Plain and looking out into the world."

The church plans to replace the eight old windows as part of over $100,000 worth of renovations to it's meeting house at 34 Church Street.

John O'Rourke, chairman of the Board of Trustees for the parish, said the look of the original windows will be maintained, with modern, energy efficient glass going into the frames and repairs to the functionality.

"The Historic District Commission loved the way we kept the look of the windows," O'Rourke said.

In addition to the windows, three rusted out metal doors will be replaced and the exterior of the church will receive a fresh coat of white paint.

O'Rourke said $40,000 donated from part of a late parishioner's estate is being used for the project with the remaining $60,000 coming from private donations. The Rev. Gingras said the fundraising is just over $6,000 short of the goal.

"We have a generous community that's gotten us most of the way there," she said.

A History On the Green

Monroe Congregational Church was chartered in 1764 and The Rev. Gingras said its original meeting house was built on the Town Green — 60 feet from the existing front entrance.

She said it took 30 years to build because the money had to be raised by poor farmers.

"Church meeting houses hosted town meetings back in the day, when church and state were not so easily separated," The Rev. Gingras said of colonial times.

She looked at the current church and said, "This building is over 200 years old," adding some of the stones from the original building's foundation were used in its construction.

O'Rourke said the last renovation was in 1988, when an addition was built in back of the church, extending the worship area and making it handicap accessible.

The front door was replaced in 2010, according to O'Rourke.

Aside from Monroe Congregational's worship services and the Mustard Seed Thrift Shop, it is most widely known by residents for its annual Strawberry Festival —held for 42 years running.

"This renovation will help us to be a part of this community for many years to come," The Rev. Gingras said. "This is a way we honor our history and celebrate our future."

Those wishing to make a tax-deductible donation can send a check to Monroe Congregational Church, 34 Church Street, Monroe CT 06468. A receipt will be mailed back for tax purposes. Donations can also be made directly to the project by visiting the church website mcc-ucc.org.