General Information about the Wilbraham United Church

Compiled by Pat Eaton

Be sure to visit our other pages for items of specific interest.

Mission:

The Wilbraham United Church is an open and caring community of Christians who gather to hear and share the word of God. In the spirit of Christ, we minister to one another through worship, prayer, education and fellowship. We seek to live our faith by example and action in service to the larger community. We welcome all who wish to attend our services, participate in our various Christian educational offerings and fellowship.

Location:

The Church is located on 500 Main Street in Wilbraham, Massachusetts, in Hampden County just east of Springfield. The church has a large parking lot in the rear, with several designated handicap spots and parking in the front. The southmost rear door is equipped with a ramp for those with special needs.

History:

Wilbraham United Church is a federation of Congregationalists and Methodists. It's history goes back to 1741 when the settlers of the area established the Fourth Church of Springfield. This was the first Congregational church and it's first minister was Noah Merrick. In 1748 the first meeting house was raised, followed by a subsequent church built in 1794 on a site at 480 Main Street.

In the early 1790's Charles Brewer and twelve others withdrew from Congregational Church and formed the First Methodist Society of Wilbraham. The original Methodist Chapel remains on Main Street and bears a Plaque that proclaims "The Oldest Methodist Meeting House in New England". During the 19th century, the Methodist church grew in strength and number.

On July 5, 1911, the Wilbraham Congregational Church was struck by lightning and burned to the ground. The Methodists invited the Congregationalists to meet with them while rebuilding the burnt church. This offer was gladly accepted and the two parishes began to meet together for church service. In 1913 the new church was finished, however the Congregationalists and the Methodists decided to continue joint worship. The two churches have met together ever since and were federated under the name of The Wilbraham United Church. It was one of the first churches to be federated. The Congregationalists and Methodists still maintain separate legal status, membership and denomination connections; however, the church truly functions as one congregation in both worship and work.

The church saw considerable growth during the late fifties and sixties requiring the building of a new and larger structure which now stands at its present location. The cornerstone was laid on June 16, 1957. In 1965 the current structure was completed with the addition of the Fellowship Hall wing.

Music:

We have an active Bell Choir, a Cherub Choir for those ages 4 to 6, a Junior Choir and an Adult Choir all under the direction of Mark Jacobson.

In addition to our various planned music choirs and groups we also have many different instrumental opportunities including percussion and strings. We are looking for you if you like to sing, play an instrument, or help with the music ministry.

Education:

Our church provides a variety of Christian educational opportunities for members of all ages. Wilbraham United Church has a Youth Fellowship, Confirmation, the FaithLift Retreat, a Sunday sermon for children and the Church School. The church also sponsors a weekday Nursery School which is open to all residents of the area. Special events include an annual Good Friday activity and Children's Sunday. There is also an Advent Pageant and a special Palm Sunday service.

The Memorial Garden and the Tree of Life

The Memorial Garden was established in June, 1996 and provides space for burying or scattering of cremated remains. It fulfills the original charter of the church issued over 250 years ago designating land for a church and churchyard burying space. The Tree of Life is displayed in the Narthex as an indoor memorial plaque. It is hand carved mahogany and engraved brass nameplates are placed as leaves in memory of those interred or scattered in the Garden. Any person, regardless of church membership, is eligible for burial in the Memorial Garden.

Serving the Community:

Our church is active with several community projects and organizations in the Greater Springfield community. The Church makes regular deliveries of both food and nonfood items to the Community Survival Center. The church has been instrumental in developing "God's Little Acre", a garden whose produce goes to the Survival Center and last year netted of $5,000 of produce. The Church is active in the Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity, the Springfield Open Pantry and the Worthington Street and Prospect Street Shelters. In the world community our Church is active in several Church World Service projects and also sponsors missionaries in Zaire and Brazil.

Many groups use the church as a meeting place. A partial list would include: Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts, Council of Churches, Gingerbread House, Girl Scouts and Brownies, Wilbraham United Players, Toastmasters, Alcoholics Anonymous, Alanon, Wilbraham Women's Club, ballet classes, Vacation Bible School, Young at Heart, Nursery School, Stay and Play, Men's Glee Club, Women's Choral Group, Wilbraham Community Chorus, Peach Festival Committee, D.A.R.E., Santa Mouse Boutique, and Wilbraham Summer Youth Theater.

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This document maintained by Daniel O'Rourke .
Material Copyright © 1998 Wilbraham United Church