Early in the year of 1867, a group of people from tbe Calvinistic Congregational Church met at the home of David Boutelle to consider the advisability of forming a new Church. Tbis came about due to the construction of nearly 100 houses in the southerly and easterly Section of the city where no church accommodations existed. The adult congregation was increasing and the Calvinistic Church edifice was inadequate to meet the need. The only other church in town was the Trinitarian Church that was formed by people who broke away from the Calvinistic due to disagreement over slavery issues.

On December 15, 1867, a notice was read in the chapel of a meeting to be held on December 16th for an exchange of ideas on forming another Congregational Church. This was the first step in the founding of RolIstone Congregational Church. At this meeting, it was voted to appoint a provisional "Board of Managers" numbering 12.

March 16, 1868 the committee voted to incorporate as "The Rollstone Congregational Society". The first service was held at "The American House", located at the Depot Square. It was filled to capacity, with more than 300 present.

On April 2, 1868 RolIstone Congregational Church was organized unanimously.

The Reverend Leverett W. Spring was called from Middlebury, Vermont to occupy the pulpit for one year at a salary of $2,000.

The membership consisted of 150 members (78 from Calvinistic, 55 from Trinitarian and 17 others). Later the Trinitarian Church disbanded and most of its members came to Rollstone.

A site was purchased at the intersection of Snow and Main Streets. In August 1868, ground was broken and on October 5, 1868, the cornerstone laid.

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Dedication took place on February 24, 1870, without spire, organ, clock and bell.

The entire cost including furnishings and site, was $88,088. An existing mortgage of $25,000 was paid off in April 1890. Rollstone was incorporated December 20, 1905 under Chapter 32, General Laws of the Commonwealth.

The E. & G.G. Hook Brothers of Boston installed the pipe organ in 1870. The casework and facade of the organ remain in place today, and the original wind chests and some pipe work are incorporated into the present instrument. In 1927, 1971 and 1996 modifications were made to the organ. The console has been changed to solid state electronics.

The steeple was completed on December 1, 1870, lifting high the Cross-of Christ, one hundred ninety-five feet in the air. It was the tallest structure in Fitchburg for many years. The steeple included the present bell and a clock. The clock was removed in 1933.

From 1916 through 1928 the Stained Glass Memorial windows in the Sanctuary were installed and dedicated.

Please Click HERE to view windows

In 1937, Boutelle Parish House (including Choate Memorial Chapel and Cookman Hall) was added at a cost of $71,474. The dedication took place in February 1938.

There have been two major restorations to the church, one in 1954 and another in 1963.

On July 14, 1939, a newly built parsonage costing $35,000 was dedicated at 123 Pearl Hill Road as the Fred H. Lane Parsonage

In 1965, a hardtop lot in back of the church was purchased for parking facilities.

In 1965, the first 8:45 AM worship was held in the chapel on October 17th. This marked the first time two morning services were held each Sunday.

In June 1967, the church authorized the Standing Committee to rearrange the pews, eliminating a number in the front and back of the Sanctuary. The Chancel and Choir loft were also redesigned and enlarged at this time. This arrangement of pews and chancels still stand today.

The church celebrated its Centennial year in 1968. with various functions being held throughout the year.

In 1968 the church and church school time was changed to 10.00 AM; chapel service at 8:30 AM.

In 1970 the present Verdin carillon was installed in the steeple given in loving memory of Clarence and Marian Pethybridge by their sons Donald and Arthur.

In September 1956, we received the generous gift of Camp WelIville from the Whittemore family. The camp is located in Ashhurnham, Mass, and consists of 42 acres of land, with 13 cottages, a beach, tenting area and ball field. Wellville is a family camp, devoted to religious, educational, and charitable work and worship.

Camp Wellville was incorporated in May 1963 under chapter 180 of the General Laws of the Commonwealth.

In 1977 the Lane parsonage was sold for $53,500. Ministers are now given a housing allowance.

In 1981, Clerk, Solon Wales' book on the "Stained Glass Windows" was published and is available today.

Click on the link just below for a list of pastors who have served the church.

Press Here for a List of Pastors