Rochester Church Restoration

What defines a New England town?

For Rochester, it’s our Green

For nearly 200 years, the First Congregational Church of Rochester’s Church building has graced the Rochester green alongside the Vestry, and Town Hall forming an iconic and beautiful backdrop for the town center. Built in 1837, the building’s Gothic Revival architecture has been cited by buildingsofnewengland.com as “among the most beautiful in the state”. It reflects the Christopher Wren style popular at the time, modified by a square belfry rather than the usual pointed spires.

For many Rochester residents the green with its historically significant buildings and memorials captures the essence of the town and its Yankee spirit.

Church surrounded by autumn foliage with a car in front.

Our project

We’re restoring a Rochester town gem to its former beauty!

Both the church and neighboring Vestry have long needed full structure “facelift” to extend the beauty, longevity, and usefulness of these iconic landmarks. The First Congregational Church has recently completed restoration of the Vestry building and is now turning attention to the church building – the one building on the green which has not undergone an exterior restoration.

This work will include removing multiple layers of aging clapboard and facia from foundation to the top of the steeple and replacing it with composite materials designed to match the original historic façade. The 200-year-old windows are also being repaired, reglazed, and repainted as part of this effort. Our plan is to complete the work next year, well in advance of the church’s 325th anniversary in 2028. It’s an exciting time for this community church which is looking forward to providing Rochester with a beautiful, classic backdrop to the town center for many years to come.

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Will you join us in preserving a town landmark?

While the building was erected by architect and builder Solomon K. Eaton of Mattapoisett at a cost of under $5,000, restoring the exterior will cost much more in 2025 dollars. Significant funds have already been raised and pledged but an additional $80,000 is needed before work can commence.

The church welcomes donations from the community interested in supporting this project. Donations by check can be sent to the First Congregational Church of Rochester, P.O. Box 98, Rochester, MA 02770, or made online. The church is a registered 501©(3) organization and contributions are tax deductible.

The First Congregational Church of Rochester welcomes the public to join worship services held at 10:00 a.m. every Sunday.

Donate to Historical Restoration