Harwinton’s first Congregational meeting house was constructed in the early 1740s, to the south of where the current Congregational Church now stands. Surplus materials from its construction were later used to build the town’s first schoolhouse. Put to municipal use for thirty years after a new church was built in 1808, the old structure became dilapidated and was eventually torn down. The 1808 church, built in the Federal style, continued in use until it burned, after being struck by lightning, in 1949. Groundbreaking ceremonies for a new church occurred the following year and the building opened for worship in 1952. Due to a shortage of funds, the new church remained without a steeple for ten years, until 1962, when the Harwinton Congregational Church acquired the steeple of the Methodist Church in Torrington, which was being torn down at the time.
dear friends at the congregational church, i am rob camp fuoco , a fine arts painter, and designer and consultant on historic gardens. my friend muffy knight of the national garden conservancy and i are interested in finding out more about the truman kellogg house. we are searching for the history of the house and garden. on another site we learned that one of your pastors gave a eulogy upon kelloggs death. we are just wondering if there might be a way to obtain a copy of this sermon. in the records of the church there wouldnt happen to be any ancient pictures of the grounds of this house which are adjacent to your beautiful church? best regards rob in burlington ct
In response to Rob Fuoco’s comment of Aug. 8, 2012 re Truman Kellogg house, if he hasn’t already done so, he should contact Harwinton’s historian, Roger Plaskett. He can find him on Harwinton History’s site. I wish him well. In my time the house was occupied by Henry Hornbustle and then by the Schonemon’s (spelling is probably not correct).
Looking at this site was a trip home. Fran Lawrence
dear fran. Lawrence,
thank. you so much for your kind response, and suggestion.
I shall follow that lead!!
best from
rob in port st lucie florida