1820-Present: Universalist Churches ~ Norwich
The Universalist Church of Norwich began in 1820 as the “Society of United Christian Friends in the Towns of Norwich, Preston, and Groton.” The Society erected a church in 1821, but did not have a permanent, resident pastor. Instead, temporary ministers occupied the pulpit.
The Universalist Church shown on the postcard left-below was dedicated on July 12, 1822. It stood at the junction of East Main and Cliff Streets in Chesea, known today as Norwich. The edifice was torn down in 1909.
In 1910, a new Universalist Church was built at 148 Broadway, shown on the right-below. This church was also known as the “Church of the Good Shepherd” for the subject of its large stained glass window.
The Universalist Society was finally organized in 1836, when the “First Universalist Society in Norwich” was established.
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Universalist Church ~ circa 1905 ~ Junction of East Main & Cliff Streets
Universalist Church ~ circa 1910 ~ 148 Broadway
The doctrine of universal salvation, linked to the belief in the Trinity and a purification from sin through a limited degree of punishment in another state, culminating in actual pardon and a final restoration to God’s favor, had a considerable number of advocates in Norwich in the late 1700s.
One of the biggest thorns in the side of the Puritans was Universalism. Simply put, the Universalist denominations that emerged in the late 1760s taught that the death of Christ had atoned for all human sin. So there would be no punishment after death for anyone, hence “universal” salvation. Naturally, this didn’t sit well with the Calvinists, who relied on the threat of eternal damnation to control the masses.
Universalism was introduced to Norwich in the Autumn of 1772 by Mr. John Murray, the English Universalist, or “Great Promulgator,” as he was sometimes styled. He was first invited to preach in Norwich by Mr. Samuel Post, who, having been accidentally present when he delivered an address at Guilford, was charmed with Murray’s persuasive oratory. He delivered his first sermon in Norwich at Bean Hill Academy. To accommodate the throngs that came to hear him, the committee of the First Congregational Society also permitted him to use their meeting-house.
Even before the Great Awakening, dissenters among the dissenters who founded Norwich (i.e., the Congregationalists) were stirring up godly passions by refusing to pay taxes to support the Congregational Church, the state’s official church. In 1779, a public debate on the subject of Universalism was held at the Congregational Church in Chelsea between Mr. Niles and Mr. John Murray, which generated considerable interest at the time.
The Universalist movement in Norwich prospered after Rev. Elhanan Winchester, an eloquent preacher of the Universalist doctrine, visited Norwich in 1794. Many admirers warmly received him. Reverend John Tyler of the Episcopal Church (later known as the Church of Christ) also allowed Winchester to preach in his church.
The doctrine of universal salvation continued to develop in Norwich between 1816 and 1820 through the persuasive eloquence of Rev. Edward Mitchell and Rev. Hosea Ballou. These preachers made repeated visits to Norwich, drawing large crowds.
Near the close of 1820, Norwich’s Universalist society was organized under the name “Society of United Christian Friends in the towns of Norwich, Preston, and Groton.” The first meeting of this organization was in Preston. The pulpit was filled with temporary pastors during this time period. Info Source 1 provides a detailed list of the church’s pastors.
In 1836, the name of the Society was changed to “The First Universalist Society in Norwich.” The society was legalized by an act of the Legislature in 1842.
In 1961, today’s Unitarian Universalist Church was formed by the union of Norwich’s Unitarian Church and Universalist Church. With a dwindling congregation, the Unitarian Universalists sold the church on Broadway in 2009. The building became home to the Fount of Salvation Missionary Church.
The Unitarian Universalist Chruch members have met at 67-69 Main Street in Norwich since February 2023.
Acknowledgements
“History of New London County, Connecticut: With Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men (1882),” pp 300-301, by Duane Hamilton Hurd
“A Historical Sketch of Universalism, in Norwich, Conn.,” 1844, by Pastor R.O. Williams
“Old Universalist Church ,” Public Domain
“Old Universalist Church,” Courtesy of Rob Ladd
The complete list of sources may be found by clicking the “Bibliography” button, and, then typing “Universalist” in the SEARCH box.
1853-Present: Grace Episcopal Church ~ Yantic
The mill village of Yantic in Norwich was home to the Yantic Woolen Mill. In 1824, Captain Erastus Williams purchased an existing mill and expanded it to produce woolen products. He and his wife, Elizabeth Dorr Tracy, oversaw the organization of Grace Episcopal Church in Yantic in 1853. Their daughter, Elizabeth, was the first church organist. Erastus was succeeded by his son and then by his grandson, Winslow Tracy Williams.
Grace Church was first organized in 1851 as a Sunday school, with classes held in the local schoolhouse. It was encouraged and supported by Reverend Edward Flagg, the first Rector of Trinity Church, Norwich, and support also came from Reverend B. H. Paddock, the second Rector of Trinity Church.
The first records date back to October 1853. Incorporated as a parish and legally organized in 1853. The first Rector was Reverend William Studley, and the new church rapidly outgrew the schoolhouse.
Yantic Woolen Mill ~ circa 1909
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One of the original communicants was Captain Erastus Williams, owner of the Yantic Woolen Mill. He gave the parish use of a newly built stone house for its chapel. It was located in front of and below the bank in front of the current church.
Several beautiful memorial furnishings were donated to the church, including, in May 1897, a brass pulpit from the Lamb Company in memory of Captain Erastus W. Williams. The brass eagle lectern, in memory of Lydia Marvin Williams, and the oak altar rail, supported on brass posts, were the finest available.
Services were held in this chapel, and as the congregation continued to grow, space became much too crowded for services and parish activities.
By the mid-1890s, it was clear that the congregation once again needed a new, larger church. Under the leadership of Capt. Williams’ grandson, Winslow Tracy Williams, the congregation planned a series of fundraising events. Many of these were held at the Yantic Fire House over the years when fairs and socials were very popular.
In 1895, the Ladies Guild and St. Cecelia’s Guild had two booths at the fire hall fair, which was held for two days from 3 to 10 pm. A variety of needlework items, including rugs, sofa pillows, aprons, and shoe bags, were sold, along with refreshments. Another fair at the engine house in 1897, this one a three-day event, earned them $102.84. In 1899, a dollar social was held, where each person shared how they had earned their dollar. They also sold cookbooks, raising $260 with a prize of a painting of roses to the one selling the most books. In November of that year, each parish member donated a sum corresponding to their age for the new church building fund.
Grace Episcopal Chapel ~ circa 1907
The New Church Building
The building committee formulated plans to erect a church at a cost of $8,000 to $10,000. However, thanks to donations from local individuals, organizations, and businesses, nearly $20,000 was raised and made available. The architect chosen was Francis V. Hoppin of the firm Hoppins and Koen in New York. The building contractors were Peck and McWilliams of Norwich, who awarded the contract for $14,500. In September 1900, the stones were delivered to the site, which was donated by the Yantic Woolen Company, with land almost entirely on ledge.
The mill was closed for the long-awaited day, and nearly the entire male population of Yantic turned out to lend a hand. Over a two-day period, 110 loads of stones were transported by wagons pulled by horses and oxen from William Kilroy’s farm in nearby Bozrah. These stones were taken from the walls of the Kilroy farm, and the men hand-picked out stones with a horizontal base and a straight face; very few round stones were used. The Ladies Guild served lunches at Kilroy’s farm for these hard-working men. On May 20th, 1901, a rainy Thursday, the cornerstone was set in place.
Construction Details
A newspaper article described the construction process of the new church in great detail. It is a “perpendicular Gothic style of the transition period in England,” based on drawings and photographs from England. The trimming stones are Indiana limestone cut in Tudor detail moldings. The heavy beams of the porch lead to the base of the tower, forming the Narthex (vestibule), which is 13 feet, 4 inches square. There are triple gothic windows over the porch and rose windows on the opposite side. A circular staircase leads to the gallery and room on the second story of the tower, then upward to the belfry and lookout on the tower top. The dimensions of the Nave (the body of the church) are 56 feet long by 40 feet wide, with a Gothic arch 16 feet high at the point leading to the Chancel (choir), which measures 22 feet by 27 feet. No debt was incurred during the construction. The pews, made of quarter-sawn oak, were installed to seat 300 at a later date.
The official consecration was held on June 28, 1902. The mill was closed for the day so that workers, many of whom were members of the church, could join the state and local officials and residents attending the ceremony, and the luncheon which followed. Senior Warden Winslow Tracy Williams’s son of E. Winslow Williams, who was largely responsible for the beginning of the Grace Church, was master of ceremonies. The service began at 11:00 am and included confirmation of thirteen people. The offertory was designated for use in the construction of the new pews. At 1:30 pm, those present adjourned to the adjacent “old chapel” where the Ladies Guild served luncheon of salads, cold meats, rolls, strawberries, cake, and ice cream.
Much more information about the church and its history can be found at the Grace Episopal Church website.
Acknowledgements
“Grace Episcopal Church, Yantic History,” Grace Episcopal Church webpage
Public Domain
1857-Present: Historic Lutheran Churches in Norwich
First Lutheran Evangelical Church
169 Franklin Street
Norwich’s German Lutheran Church
Between 1857 and 1869, Reverend E.J.O. Hauser and Reverend Christian Koerner organized seventy German-speaking families to form the First Evangelical Lutheran Church.
In the early years, services were held in the Rockwell Building, also known as Temperance Hall. In 1869, the congregation raised funds and built Connecticut’s first Lutheran Church in Norwich. The cost was $7,800 (approximately $185,00 in today’s dollars).
The cornerstone for the First Evangelical Lutheran Church at 169 Franklin Street in Norwich was placed on October 5, 1869 and the building was completed the following year.
Worship services were conducted in the German language.
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Cornerstone
First Lutheran Evangelical Church
Norwich’s Swedish Lutheran Church
In 1894 under the leadership of the Reverend G.J. Danielson, plans were drawn for a building, and land was purchased at the corner of Golden and Hickory Streets.
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The Salem Lutheran Church(a.k.a. Swedish Lutheran Church) building was dedicated on December 2, 1894, at the corner of Hickory & Golden Street in Greeneville. A parsonage was built in 1908. Sadly, on February 22, 1914, the church building was destroyed by fire. However, it was quickly rebuilt under the direction of Reverend F.A. Petterson.
Beginning in 1923, most worship services were held in English. A pipe organ was installed in 1927.
During its 65-year history, the church was led by 12 pastors, ending with the Reverend Carl Brostrum, who served from 1952 to 1957.
The Salem Lutheran Church commemorated the fortieth anniversary of its organization in September 1932. The “Anniversary Committee” compiled and printed the booklet shown here.
The publication offers both a tribute to the church’s past and present members and a comprehensive account of the church’s history.
“Up to the year 1892 there were few Swedish families in Norwich, but the advent of the C. August Pearson family from Crompton (Centerville), Rhode Island, in that year, marked the beginning of a larger Swedish settlement. It was largely through the efforts of Mr. Pearson, a foreman at the Shetucket Company, that the church was organized and the Swedish people were induced to settle here. Mr. and Mrs. Pearson , who were charter members of the Emanuel Lutheran Church, organized in North Grosvenordale, Connecticut, ten years before, now became charter members of the Salem Church.”
(an excerpt from page 5 of the booklet)
Salem Lutheran Church and Parsonage ~ 1932
Former Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church
In the 1950s, several laypeople, encouraged by their pastors, began advocating for the merger of the German and Swedish congregations into a single, new place of worship. Official conversations began in 1954, and property acquisition took place in 1955.
St. Mark Evanagelical Lutheran Church
248 Broadway
On January 2, 1957, the First Evangelical Lutheran Church merged with Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church and became St. Mark Evangelical Lutheran Church. Pastor Storek was the first pastor, with Reverend Frederick W. Frick serving as associate pastor. The modern church building was dedicated on December 7, 1959, at 248 Broadway in Norwich. Upon Pastor Storek’s retirement, Reverend Frederick W. Frick became the church’s new pastor.
In 1960, the house at 19 Chelsea Court was purchased and renovated as the parsonage. The upper parking lot was purchased in 1966, and the office, gathering room, and chapel additions were built in 1988.
Reverend Frederick W. Frick served St. Mark for 36 years, until his retirement in December 1994. In 1996, the Reverend William L. Sieburg was called to become pastor.
Several other organizations, including Norwich BullyBusters and Cornerstone City Church, have utilized the church building to benefit the community over the past few years.
It was announced in April 2025 that the St. Mark Evangelical Lutheran Church is preparing to downsize due to high maintenance costs. After careful consideration, the congregation decided to sell the church building. They recognized that the church’s mission extends beyond any physical building. However, the church intends to continue its ministries, including a free community meal, in a new, smaller location.
St. Mark strives to embody and live out the mission statement of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America:
“Marked with the cross of Christ forever, we are claimed, gathered, and sent for the sake of the world.”
Acknowledgements
Many thanks to Richard Russ for his contributions to this article
“The History of Lutheranism in Norwich,” by Christopher Fish, an article in “The Nine-Mile Square,” (2005), p 208
“Diverse, historic, spiritual: Norwich centers of worship reflect changing city,” (12/23/2007), by John-Manual Andriote
“St. Mark Lutheran Church looking to downsize building,” (04/10/2025), by Matt Grahn
The complete list of sources can be found by clicking the “Bibliography” button and then typing “Lutheran” in the SEARCH box.
1890s-Present: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox ~ Norwich
Norwich’s First Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ~ c1890
In the 1890s, Greek immigrants began arriving in Norwich, an area well-known for its textile manufacturing industry. The New England states, particularly Norwich, offered job opportunities that attracted these newcomers.
As the Greek community expanded, so did the need for a place of worship. The first Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church was established in the former Buckingham Chapel at 140 Boswell Avenue in Norwich. This church served as a spiritual home for the growing Greek community, offering a place for both worship and social connection.
As the years passed, the Greek community outgrew the Boswell Avenue location. The parishioners recognized the need for a larger church to accommodate the increasing number of worshippers.
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Today’s Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ~ dedicated 1874
On September 13, 1972, the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church of Norwich obtained a mortgage for $250,000 from Eastern Savings and Loan. The land was obtained, and the new church was built at 247 Washington Street.
Subsequently, on April 7, 1974, a momentous occasion took place for the Norwich Orthodox Community. Archbishop Iakovos dedicated and opened the doors of the new church, marking the beginning of a new era for the community and its worshipers.
The Norwich Orthodox Community has a rich history that demonstrates the resilience and determination of the Greek immigrants who founded it. From their arrival in Norwich to the establishment of businesses and the construction of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, the community has grown and thrived. Today, the Norwich Orthodox Community remains a beacon of faith and tradition, keeping the spirit of the Greek immigrants alive for future generations.
The church celebrates the Divine Liturgy every Sunday throughout the year, as well as weekday Divine Liturgies for the major feast days. Each Sunday, the Divine Liturgy begins at 9:30 am. It is preceded by Orthros (Matins Service), which starts at 8:20 am.
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church website
“Flag raising commemorates Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church’s 115 years,” (03/27/2025), by Matt Grahn
“The Faith Jennings Collection,” 1997, p 182, by Faith Jennings
1850-1971: Trinity Episcopal Church ~ Norwich
A group of 39 men agreed to associate and organize the Trinity Church parish on January 7, 1850. The first two paragraphs of their original association document read:
“Whereas by the blessing of Almighty God the Episcopal Church in this city has been so far prospered that His people have been enabled to build two commodious and substantial churches, and now, and for months past, more sittings have been called for than could be furnished in the new and larger edifice on Washington Street. And inasmuch as the time seems to have come when the interests of the Church would be still more prospered by the organization of a new and independent parish to occupy the old church edifice;
“And whereas, the parish of Christ Church have agreed to sell the said old church organ and all other fixtures etc., appertaining thereto for the sum of five thousand dollars.”
1885 Map of Norwich Main Street
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The Trinity Episcopal Church, building identified in the 1885 map shown here, was initially dedicated in 1829 as the Christ Church of Norwich. It stood on a lot extending from Main to Church Street, and the total cost, including the organ and furniture, was approximately $13,000 ($334,000 in 2025 $). That church was consecrated by the diocesan Bishop, Reverend Thomas C. Brownell, on July 29, 1829.
However, in 1846, the Christ Church Society decided to relocate its church services to 78 Washington Street. They had used that place (the old Bushnell site) sixty years prior as a meeting place and as a cemetery.
A new, antique-style edifice was built atop the cemetery at a cost of nearly $50,000. A separate tower from the church was part of the original plan, but it was never constructed. Bishop Lee of Delaware laid the cornerstone on August 31, 1846, and Christ Church was consecrated in 1848.
The building that the Christ Church Society left behind, shown here, was relinquished to the Trinity Church in 1850. The denominations using the building changed from Christ Church to Trinity Church.
Former rectors for the Trinity Episcopal Church include:
Rev. Edward O. Flagg was called as the first rector of the Trinity church. He served from April 10, 1850, to June 1853.
Rev. Benjamin H. Paddock, (a native of the town and son of a former rector of Christ Church,) from August 1853 to 1860.
Rev. John V. Lewis, from 1860 to August 1865, when he accepted a call to Washington, D.C.
The 1914 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map shows the church still standing.
From 1865 through 1882 four additional men served as rectors of the Trinity Church. They are listed in Info Source XX
Rev. J. Edred Brown, rector of the Trinity Episcopal Church, led a Christmas service on December 28, 1910. (Norwich Bulletin)
Trinity Episcopal Church ~ c1905
Trinity Episcopal Church
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The architectural plans for
Trinity Episcopal Church
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Trinity Episcopal Church Behind Dunkin’ Donuts ~ 1960s
The postcard, shown on the left, taken in the 1960s, shows the Trinity Episcopal Church building behind Dunkin’ Donuts.
The church burned down in 1871.
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Acknowledgements
“History of Norwich, Connecticut: From Its Possession From the Indians, to the Year 1866”, p 457 , by Frances Manwaring Caulkins
“History of New London County, Connecticut: With Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men (1882),” pp 296-297, by Duane Hamilton Hurd
“A Modern History of New London County, Connecticut,” Vol. 1, (1922), p 311, by Benjamin Tinkham Marshall
“A half-century of Parish Life: Historical Sermon,” (1900), by Rev. J. Eldred Brown
“Trinity Episcopal Church, Norwich, Ct.,” Public Domain postcard
“Trinity Episcopal Church,” Facebook Norwich CT USA Pictures
“1885 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map of Norwich,” annotated by IconicNorwich.org
“Architectural Plans of the Trinity Episcopal Church, Norwich, CT.,” courtesy of WikiMedia
1887-Present: Jewish: Brothers of Joseph ~ Norwich
This Article is Under Construction
Former Brothers of St. Joseph Synagogue
Built in 1888 at 230 West Main
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Congregation of United Hebrew Brothers, 40 High Street. (1938 Price & Lee City of Norwich Directory) in Otis Library
Community Synagogue at 63 Church Street in the 1938 Price & Lee Directory
In 1907, the Congregation of United Brothers was organized initially under the name of Sons of Israel and established a synagogue on 40 High Street. This synagogue was to function according to the traditional form of Orthodox Judaism. The founders, with an eye to the vicissitudes in life, set down the injunction to future generations that this synagogue, under all circumstances, remain firm in its orthodoxy.
The Congregation of United Brothers has given its unstinted support to worthy causes in general and to the ideal of rehabilitating Palestine and Hebrew education in particular.
The document shown on the left provides a detailed history of the Brothers of Joseph Synagogue from 1887-1987.
The Sons of Israel Synagogue was erected on September 19, 1906, and the cornerstone was laid at 40 High Street.
The document shown on the left provides a detailed history of the Brothers of Joseph Synagogue from 1887-1987.
History of Brothers of Joseph
The history of the Congregation Brothers of Joseph Synagogue goes back to the year 1883. That is when a group of primarily eastern European Jews who lived in Norwich organized a religious congregation, calling themselves the Congregation of Norwich. The same year saw the formation of a Burial Society by the Congregation of Norwich, with land for a cemetery purchased at Brewsters Neck in Preston, adjacent to that of the First Hebrew Society.
In 1886, the members participated in a bid on a permanent name for the congregation. In the resulting auction, Mr. Kive Lahn was high bidder: the name Brothers of Joseph was designated in honor of Kive’s son, Joseph, born that very week. In 1886 the Congregation adopted its first constitution. This constitution remained in effect until 1954, when a new constitution was adopted.
Services were held in a building on Cove Street and between 1884 and 1898 and in various buildings throughout the city such as T.A.B. Hall, Germania Hall and Lucas Hall. With a substantial donation from the Reverend Fromenson, the congregation built their own synagogue on the West side, which opened in 1898. In 1909, Rabbi Joseph Rosenberg came to Norwich and became the first Rabbi of the synagogue. He was such an outstanding personality that Norwich soon became recognized as a prominent center for Judaism. In 1914, the Norwich Hebrew Institute was organized. Classes were held in various buildings throughout the city until 1924, when the Institute moved to Fairmount Street. In 1953, the Norwich Hebrew Ladies Society reorganized as the Brothers of Joseph Sisterhood, later becoming the Rachel Leah Sisterhood, named after the mother of Jacob Slosberg. In the early 1950s, a men’s club was also organized. In 1960, the High Street Synagogue, which was founded in 1906, voted to merge with the Congregation Brothers of Joseph on the West side.
The present synagogue, on the corner of Washington and Broad Streets, was built in 1966 on the former Osgood property. It is a unique modern architecture that exhibits the familiar Star of David to the heavens above. In addition to a modern sanctuary, the building includes a large hall, stage and two professional kitchens. Today, the congregation continues smaller in size but strong in spirit. We welcome in friendship all who wish to observe traditional Judaism in a modern setting.
Acknowledgements
“Brothers of Joseph Synagogue 100th Anniversary, 1887-1987, Nov. 7, 1987,” by Congregation Brothers of Joseph
“The Jew in Norwich, A Century of Jewish Life,” (1975), by Arthur Goldberg
“Legends of Jewish Community Recalled on High Holiday,” (2005), by Bill Stanley
Courtesy of Rob Ladd, Norwich Ct. Pictures, USA webpage