Our History
The original covenant is surprisingly ecumenical. It states that certain Christian principles are common to all Christian faiths, that other groups may be sincere in their beliefs and that there should be cooperation among the churches.
The meetings of the Waterford Church were held in various places prior to 1818. After 1818, they were held in the Abial Richardson meetinghouse, built by Mr. Richardson at his own expense in 1818. In 1837, the Congregational Society built a meetinghouse in the village. It was used until it was destroyed in a fire in 1859.
The present building was constructed in 1859 on the same site. "Heavy timbers and the oldest seats in the vestry were brought down" from the old Abial Richardson meetinghouse. Beams were also taken from old barns in the area.
For a number of years the Waterford Church has shared its pastor in a yoked parish arrangement. The willingness of its members to cooperate with outside groups has made it possible for this church to continue to serve as its founders intended it should serve.
Our Pastor
Rev. Catherine Hinman came here in July 1997 and serves both this and the Third Congregational U.C.C. in East St. Johnsbury. She is a graduate of Bangor Theological Seminary. If you have questions or concerns, feel free to call her at home (802) 748-1366 or at the office (802)-748-8390.
We Believe
We believe in a loving, healing and transforming God Who calls us ~ love all people, including ourselves, and to love God with our whole heart, mind, soul, and strength. We believe Jesus Christ, God's Son, reveals God's love and God's will for our lives and that God's Holy Spirit guides and empowers us as we seek to love, serve, and advance the Realm of God in the world. We do not think belief in a specific creed is necessary for membership here. The Lower Waterford Congregational Church is a covenanting Church where each member can follow the Word of God according to the guidance of conscience afforded by the Holy Spirit. Corporately we subscribe to the United Church of Christ's Statement of Faith.
We Care
We support a variety of local, regional, and global mission programs and service agencies, visit shut-ins and make hospital calls. We also seek to support one another and our neighbors in prayer.
We Learn and Share
We have a joint Bible Study Group with the East St. Johnsbury Church. Our Women's Group meets monthly. There are periodic Pot Luck Suppers and other programs or events scheduled during the year.
We Worship
We gather for Sunday worship at 10:45 am The first Sunday of each month we celebrate communion. The last Sunday we worship jointly with the Third Congregational Church, UCC of East St. Johnsbury at 9:15 am, alternating our worship sites.
Our Church
A small church with a big heart.
We have found community, friendship, and thought-provoking sermons.
Together we seek to grow in our relationships with God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and our fellow human beings.
We believe that all people are God's children and therefore all interconnected. As such, we believe we should all seek to do whatever we can to help bear one another's burdens.