Our History
The Church and Fellowship Hall
The Old Church House - In 1917 the Church bought the former Ridgefield Club buildings and Property on West Lane adjoining the Church property. It was not until 1929 - under the same leadership of the Reverend Hugh Shields - that development of the property was undertaken. The largest building was moved to about the same site the Church House today. At a cost of about $42,000 (contributed by members and friends of the community), the remodeling included an auditorium with a seating capacity of 300, a stage, ladies parlors for club meetings, a fully equipped kitchen, a basement with billiard tables, two bowling alleys and a club room for men’s meetings. The Church House served as a community center as well as a parish house. The basement area was in later years converted into a nursery school and Sunday School class facility.
Remodeling - In 1977 and 1978 extensive remodeling of the Church House was undertaken at a cost of about $150,000. Every room was refurbished and a two-story new wing at the back of the building contained new rest rooms, a semi-circular music rehearsal room and two large classrooms downstairs. Dedication was planned to take place at Christmas, 1978.
The Fire - On Sunday evening December 3, 1978 - as the Ridgefield Chorale sang the closing passages of Handel’s Messiah - a fire began accidentally in the basement of the Church House. The Old Church house was destroyed.
The New Church House -The response to the need for a new Church House was immediate and supportive. Under the leadership of Reverend Lund the "Phoenix Fund" was established and committees were formed to proceed with the planning and building. The design requirements were based on the needs of the congregation as well as the Historic District Commission’s aesthetic codes and Planning and Zoning standards. "A Bright New Beginning" was the theme of the rebuilding project as contributions came in from members and the wider community of friends, organizations and other churches in town and across the state.
Walkway - An enclosed, windowed walkway was constructed between the Sanctuary and the new Church House. The cornerstone stone (laid May 18, 1980) and the main entrance incorporated the original granite stones removed from the outer wall of the Church.
Dedication - The new Church House was dedicated Sunday, December 7, 1980 - two years after the fire. At the Service of Dedication it was announced that the new Fellowship Hall would be named in honor of Reverend Clayton R. Lund. "From the ashes of despair to the triumph of its completion, his love, and vision have carried this congregation to the threshold of a new beginning."
Cost - Total cost of the new building amounted to approximately $850,000. Of this amount $496,000 came from insurance and the balance from contributions.
Renovations - Farney Eilers of Caproni Associates, Orange, CT was the architect and Morganti Inc. of Ridgefield the contractor. Detail design engineering was by Kelly - Coffin Architects.