On Sunday, March 8, 2015, we celebrated our return to our church home. We said thank you to all those who helped us on the night of the November 2011 fire and to those who have worked with us and supported us over the past three plus years. We are delighted to swing wide the doors and welcome everyone back.
The 10:00 AM service on March 8th featured the return of longtime Saugatuck pastor, the Rev. Ted Hoskins, as guest preacher. In the afternoon, over 300 people attended our Rededication Worship, including State Senators Toni Boucher and Tony Hwang; State Representatives Gail Lavielle and Jonathan Steinberg; Westport First Selectman, Jim Marpe; Westport Board of Selectmen Member Helen Garten; Westport Director of Human Services Barbara Butler; and Westport Fire Chief Andrew Kingsbury. The service featured a reflection by current Saugatuck Church Pastor Rev. Alison J. Buttrick Patton, a charge by United Church of Christ Connecticut Conference Minister, Rev. Kent Siladi, and music by The Staples High School Orphenians, the Men’s Gospel Choir of First Congregational Church of Norwalk and Saugatuck’s own youth and adult choirs.
Watch the service in its entirety on our YouTube channel:
To learn more about the day, you can read the linked media articles below. Visit our Photo Gallery to view photos from a special day in the life of our church and the community. Special thanks to Saugatuck Church member Bruce Borner, Mark Mathias, and Rev. Eric Anderson for permission to use their photos and video of the day.
Media Coverage of Rededication Sunday
“Faith Unshaken, Saugatuck Congregational Church Celebrates Joyous Homecoming”
Westport News – March 10, 2015
“Saugatuck Celebrates Their Return Home”
Connecticut Conference, United Church of Christ -March 10, 2015
“Fire-damaged Church Reopens 3 Years Later”
News Connecticut 12 – March 8, 2015
“Risen From the Ashes, Saugatuck Church Rededicates”
WestportNow – March 8, 2015
“Saugatuck Church Celebrates Rededication”
WestportNow – March 8, 2015
“Saugatuck Church to Hold Rededication Ceremony March 8”
The Norwalk Hour – March 6, 2015
“Saugatuck Church Looks Ahead – And Back”
Dan Woog 06880 – March 5, 2015
“Historic Westport Church to Hold Rededication After Fire”
Westport Daily Voice – February 25, 2015
“Risen From the Ashes: Saugatuck Congregational Church Celebrates Rededication”
Westport News – February 25, 2015