First Congregational Church of Canandaigua, UCC
Our History
The construction cost of $12,996.31 was borne by the congregation. Funds were raised by
subscriptions. A total of $5,000 was pledged --- one-third in cash and two-thirds in cattle and
grain. A mortgage covered the remaining
$8,000.
The interior, with its enclosed box pews and amber glass windows and horseshoe balcony still carries the pioneer concept of worship. The magnificent pipe organ was built in 1882.
Skillfully, new Christian Education space and handicapped seating have been added as the congregation remains “loyal to their past by keeping their faces toward the future.” We strive to balance our strong heritage with the reality of the 21st Century.
Designated as a National Landmark by the U.S. Department of Interior in 1958, the building exterior remains unchanged with the exception of the adjoining Gothic Revival chapel constructed in 1873.
In 1993 the church members were proud recipients of the coveted Tender Loving Care Award bestowed by the Landmark Society of Western New York, recognizing the meticulous care and outstanding preservation of “one of the oldest building of worship in western New York State.”
To learn more historical information regarding the church, please contact the Church Historian by e-mail at fcccan@frontiernet.net. Please include your full name and e-mail address in your request.
$8,000.
The interior, with its enclosed box pews and amber glass windows and horseshoe balcony still carries the pioneer concept of worship. The magnificent pipe organ was built in 1882.
Skillfully, new Christian Education space and handicapped seating have been added as the congregation remains “loyal to their past by keeping their faces toward the future.” We strive to balance our strong heritage with the reality of the 21st Century.
Designated as a National Landmark by the U.S. Department of Interior in 1958, the building exterior remains unchanged with the exception of the adjoining Gothic Revival chapel constructed in 1873.
In 1993 the church members were proud recipients of the coveted Tender Loving Care Award bestowed by the Landmark Society of Western New York, recognizing the meticulous care and outstanding preservation of “one of the oldest building of worship in western New York State.”
To learn more historical information regarding the church, please contact the Church Historian by e-mail at fcccan@frontiernet.net. Please include your full name and e-mail address in your request.
First Congregational Church
58 North Main Street
Canandaigua, NY 14424
585-394-2184
58 North Main Street
Canandaigua, NY 14424
585-394-2184
The First Congregational Church Society of the Town of Canandaigua, NY, with the
leadership of nine men and women and the inspiration of Zadok Hunn, was incorporated in
1799. Services were held in homes and barns under the spiritual leadership of the first
“settled” minister, Rev. Timothy Field, a young Yale graduate, who served from 1799 to
1807.
Thirteen years later, in 1812, with a membership of about forty
communicants, the Society erected the present stately meeting house
much as you see it today. While the plans were brought from New
England, the architect is unknown. The roof trusses were made of
hand-hewn wooden beams, fastened with wooden pegs, and the exterior
walls were made of bricks from Phelps. NY. The imposing Federal-style
building, with its Ionic pilasters, wheel windows and pediment swag of
teakwood is a testimony to the courage and faith of that small body of
sturdy inhabitants. The arched portico and the gold-clad barbless feather
weather vane atop its domed bell tower set it apart from the early New
England church edifices - truly unique!