The West Cummington Congregational Church:

We are both very old and as new as we can imagine.

Our original one-room church building, built in 1839, survived until January 17, 2010, when it burned to the ground. Its replacement, built with current technology to retain and enhance the shape and style of the original, was formally dedicated in December of 2013.

We are not the biological and barely the theological descendants of those who built the original building. But we are linked to them by history and physical setting and by the group of souls who have been congregants over the last fifty years or so. Through the individuals now attracted to participate in the life of our church, who come from Cummington and other nearby towns, we are also linked generally to the area often described as “the Hilltowns.” 

We are here to support the spiritual and community needs of a broad mix of individuals, led by Stephen Philbrick, a former sheep farmer who has been minister/poet to this diverse flock since 1994.

 Our Philosophy…Welcome!

Open and Affirming Statement:

The West Cummington Congregational Church, affiliate of the United Church of Christ, openly welcomes all people without regard to income, creed, background, race, gender, age, physical/mental ability, sexual orientation or gender identity. As an open and affirming church, we celebrate all loving and responsible relationships. It is a gift and a glory of God. We embrace gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered and heterosexual people.

We encourage all people to worship, to join, and welcome people to take positions of responsibility on committees. The sacraments, including marriage, are open to everyone regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. We support all families in their journeys. (UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED NOVEMBER 7, 2004)

We have also written to presidents and refugees, passed a non-nuclear resolution and contributed to many justice campaigns, near and far,  and local efforts to feed everyone, with food, song and spirit.

Our worship traditions of song and spoken word are locally famous, fueled by many talented members and friends. Our welcome is notoriously warm. Join us on Sunday for worship, on Monday for the weekly peace demonstration. Try out the Non Violent Communication group, the Women of Spirit, the Men’s Group.

If you are a visitor…

Each of us knows what it was like to try something for the first time. We, too, wondered what this church was all about. Introduce yourself and share with us your spiritual journeys, and we will share our own. We have no creeds you must believe or tests you must pass. We are all human, all seekers and all welcome!

The Parish House: Refuge, Resource and Recreation

Built as a Universalist Church in 1845, it soon thereafter became the lodge for the Ancient Order of United Workmen; later owned by the Ladies Benevolent Society, who used it for frequent fund raisers, i.e. suppers, talent shows. Later given to our church by the truly Benevolent Ladies.  Its new life began after hard-working volunteer parishioners took up paint and brush to give it an inside out face-lift. We also shored up the foundations.  It then provided space for a multitude of events; dancing, stories, special meetings, kid's church and the unforgettable Annual Service Auctions.  Then, coming full circle, once again a church to hold us close during the time our fire-consumed church was being rebuilt.  Available and affordable (donations) space for gatherings of celebration.  Continued upkeep has included fresh-painted exterior, foundation and drainage work, lots of insulation and a flower bed, relocating storage shed in order to upgrade septic system and, last but not least, remodeling the kitchen to meet code.  A decision made in order to accommodate community during emergency situations, i.e. ice storm of 2008,etc.  And, coming soon, a new metal roof to cover both main building and addition.  

Many groups meet regularly here, before and (hopefully) after Covid, including Alcoholics Anonymous, the Women of Spirit, a weekly Mah-Jong game, the Domestic Violence Task Force, Stories For Dessert  --  and child care and coffee hour on Sundays.

As a church, we gather here for Annual Meeting and special meetings to discuss major issues and make congregational decisions. Other community groups (the Creamery, anti-pipeline activists, for example) also use the building, free of charge.