Welcome to First Church, West Hartford
Living in Spirit • Committed to Service • Open to All
First Church West Hartford
We act out our vision statement: Living in Spirit, Committed to Service, Open to All. We think worship should be fun and interesting, with music to stir the spirit. We offer events that rival any local arts venue or library! And your kids will love our teachers and kids’ programs. Come visit us!
First Church of Christ Congregational, aka First Church West Hartford, has stood at the center of community life in West Hartford, CT for over 300 years. Founded in 1713 as the “established church” of the West Division of Hartford, the congregation helped to shape the religious, political, and educational life of the town. We opened a preschool in 1941 which welcomes children of all faiths and backgrounds (First Church Academy for Young Children), and in 1978 we added the John P. Webster Library, a spiritual resource center open to the public. First Church welcomes and affirms each person regardless of age, disabling condition, economic standing, gender, nationality, race, or sexual orientation.
Worship
Spirituality in practice and celebration of the Holy One among us through worship, faith formation, and beautiful music.
Outreach
We play an integral part of the community, through outreach, mission, service, communications, and marketing.
JPW Library
Our Library offers a range of books, media resources, and online programs. Drop by to say hello and sign up for a library card!
First Church Academy
First Church Academy for Young Children provides a consistent and nurturing environment encouraging the growth of the whole child.
No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here
Please click on individual photos to see full image. See more photo galleries organized by year: Photo Gallery 2024 and Church Family News 2024. Find earlier years in menu.
Support the ministry, missions, and programs of First Church!
Church Member Stories (full stories click here)
Eleanor Wight
When my then partner, Rayda, and I found First Church in 1991 we had been Christmas and Easter church attendees for a very long time, but we’d begun to hear a calling for us to return to the faith...read more.
Liz Kuhn
I was raised in the Catholic church where I was baptized, confirmed and married. Shortly after our youngest daughter was born, my husband Jim and I decided we needed to search for...read more.
Diane Bohman
I have been blessed to call First Church of Christ Congregational my church home since the early 70’s when my family moved to West Hartford. It is where my faith journey began...read more.
Ryan Mannix
I grew up in Granby, CT attending Pilgrim Covenant Church as a child and later I was confirmed at South Congregational Church. Both of these churches had wonderful youth programs...read more.
Joy Taylor
I was baptized as an infant at Asylum Hill Church, but moved soon thereafter and came of age here at First Church where I was confirmed, stayed active as a young adult, and...read more.
Jane Cave
I feel fortunate that I have had two church homes. I was baptized, confirmed and married in First Church of Christ in Unionville. Our three children were baptized and attended Sunday school...read more.
Harold Steever
I’m retired, so attending First Church gives me a welcome chance to socialize, at coffee hour every week and at dinner church or Gather Round the Table. I like getting to know people...read more.
Jim Warner
I didn’t grow up attending Church. As a result, I was not introduced to the Church calendar of holidays and how those holidays are celebrated throughout the year, and so I do not see faith...read more.
Judy Schmitt
I used to come to First Church just on Sunday mornings. No more. Now I come to First Church many times during the week, and I see a number of church members coming and going as well...read more.