In May 1720
the General Assembly in Hartford, CT,
confirmed the prayerful request from the Town of Guilford,
especially those in habitants of Cohabit, or North Guilford,
to have their own Society,
with a Meeting House
​and all other benefits and privileges allowed by law.

North Guilford Celebrates its Tricentennial 

May 19, 2024
The North Guilford Congregational Church – United Church of Christ celebrated TWO historic events:
  • The 304th Anniversary of the founding of the North Guilford Society in 1720
  • The 300th Anniversary of the calling of the first pastor of the Church in 1724.
At 10:00 am, we gathered in Old North Cemetery at the site of the First Meeting House, and after opening words proceeded into the Sanctuary for a Service of Thanksgiving and Commemoration.  The service included vignettes/scenes presented by young people from the community depicting milestones in the Church’s history, and special music offered by the Church choir.  

Following the service, visitors viewed special exhibits including a selection of antique tools used by settlers of North Guilford during the early 18th century, and a church timeline illustrated with historic photographs. An informal scavenger hunt was held, followed by a pot-luck lunch. After lunch a tour of Guilford’s oldest cemetery (the Old North Cemetery) was led by one of our members. 

Together, the two beautiful churches – the North Guilford Congregational Church and St. John’s Episcopal Church – are synonymous with “North Guilford,” and Meeting House Hill Historic District has been listed in the National Park Service’s National Register since 1987.  Part of the day’s festivities included the unveiling of an historic marker honoring that status.
Some Local History
In 1705, more than 65 years after the settling of Guilford, a group of farmers began clearing land in the northern part of town, trekking back and forth 10 miles each way, Monday thru Friday.  Soon, the men built a log cabin to stay in during the week, only going home to their families “downtown” (and to attend mandatory church service) on weekends.  This cabin and the surrounding area were referred to as “Cohabit.” 

In 1719 Guilford allowed the Cohabit farmers to establish a separate religious “Society” on what is now known as Meeting House Hill (then called the “Ledge in the Highway”).  In May 1720, this permission was ratified by the General Assembly in Hartford.  The first church building was constructed in 1723, and the first settled minister arrived in 1724 – three hundred years ago!
300th Anniversary Celebration ~~~ May 19, 2024
On this day we celebrated the 300th Anniversary
​of having our own settled pastor!
For more information, call the Church Office at 203-457-058; or email us at [email protected]
Find us online:  www.northguilforducc.org
Follow us on Facebook:  North Guilford Congregational Church UCC
North Guilford Congregational Church, United Church of Christ
157 Ledge Hill Road, Guilford CT 06437