Who We Are
The People of South Church
The People of South Church
South Church is a congregation rich in diversity and unified in its belief in Jesus Christ and the teachings of the Bible. We celebrate God's truth through worship, preaching, music and the arts. We witness to God's truth by continually striving to serve those in need and to improve the quality of life for people in our city and the wider world beyond. We live God's truth in our daily lives by nurturing spiritual growth and gifts through prayer, education and Bible study.
Staff
| Lead Pastor | The Reverend George Harris |
| Minister of Music and Organist | Richard Coffey |
| Minister of Social Action and Outreach | Rev. Dr. Ben Doolittle |
| Youth Group Leaders | Chris & Renee Edge |
| Office Administrator | Stacey Albert |
| Financial Administrator | Johanna Furgalack |
| Associate Organist/Choirmaster | David Westfall |
| Music Series Managing Director | Christine Laird |
| Main Street Singers Director | Mary Ellen Junda |
| Music Secretary & Main Street Series Administrator | Nancy Hemstreet Eaton |
| Building Superintendent | Miguel DeJesus |
| Sunday Sexton | Henry Arneth |
| Housekeeper | Rosita Calderon |
| Kitchen Coordinator | Paulette Kellerstedt |
Our History
IN THE HEART OF THE CITY — FOR THE HEART OF THE CITY
These words, carved in the Arch Street wall of Fellowship House of South Congregational/First Baptist Church, represent not only the present concept of ministry shared by the members of the church, but also the history of the two congregations even before their union in 1974. South Church is two historic downtown churches joined in ministry.
First Baptist Church was formed in 1808 by a small group of believers. Through its first century it outgrew three meeting houses, settling into its fourth building in time for a centennial celebration. South Congregational Church was founded in 1842 by some of the leading citizens of New Britain. For 65 years South Congregational and First Baptist anchored opposite ends of Main Street.
Throughout their history the two churches have been linked in friendship and cooperation. They both were leaders in the beginnings of ecumenical efforts at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries sponsoring community-wide mission weeks, Bible study and religious education classes, and joint worship services. When each experienced a fire, the other was the first to offer assistance.
By the late 1860's the population of non-English speaking factory workers and their families in New Britain had begun to mushroom. Both First Baptist and South Congregational saw the need to minister to these newcomers. First Baptist began by providing German-language services which eventually evolved into the formation of a separate German Baptist church. A Swedish church was also founded from First Baptist.
South Congregational saw its need among Armenian, Assyrian, and Italian immigrants. The ministries which began as services in their own languages became full-fledged faith communities hosted and supported by South Congregational Church. In smaller scale efforts, there were also activities and programs to help German and Chinese immigrants. A generous member, Cornelius Erwin, endowed a residence for "worthy and indigent women" which provided safe and affordable housing for immigrant workers. The Erwin Home, managed by South Church, has grown into an important resource for New Britain.
By the 1960's, the German Baptists had become members of First Baptist and the Assyrians and Italians were members of South Congregational. Both churches were continuing their traditions of serving new populations by sponsoring Spanish-speaking missions and welcoming Hispanic congregations to share their buildings.
As the two churches faced the challenges of changing urban demographics and aging buildings into the 1970's, both saw the need to explore new approaches to ministry. In September of 1974, the two congregations worshipped together in the First Baptist Church building, then walked together through downtown New Britain with banners flying to the South Congregational Church building. And so began an adventure in joint ministry.
Since the 1974 parade, South Church has had major roles in founding the Prudence Crandall Center for Women which established the first battered women's shelter in Connecticut, the Friendship Center with its homeless shelter and emergency needs ministry, a thriving Hispanic congregation, the Pathways/Senderos program to prevent teen pregnancy, and the Citizen's Action of New Britain advocacy group. Most recently South Church has taken an active role in efforts to revitalize its Arch Street neighborhood. The church's Music Series has provided the community with low or no cost access to many of the world's finest musicians. In addition, the church opens its building to other worshipping groups, a day care center, a social and feeding program for seniors, and various other community and social action groups.
Clearly, "In the Heart of the City, For the Heart of the City" is not just a catchy slogan. It is for South Church of New Britain the heart of its ministry.
Demographics
South Church members come from a variety of backgrounds, age groups and professions. More than half of our worshipers fall between the ages of 20 and 59, and work in business, education and other professional pursuits. 67% of the people who gather here on Sunday morning have earned at least one college degree. About half of the congregation's families are couples, some with children and some without, and 10% live in alternative family settings.
webeditor@southchurch.org
Copyright 1998-2007 [South Congregational-First Baptist Church]. All rights reserved.
Revised:
December 30, 2007