CROMWELL - First Congregational Church of Cromwell will ring in its tricentennial quite literally--with the ringing of the church’s historical bell 300 times as part of a Sunday, Jan. 4, celebration kicking off a year of anniversary events.

       The ringing is expected to begin around 11 a.m., after a special 10 a.m. service to which all members of the community are invited. Special guests including state Rep. Christie Carpino, state Sen. Paul Doyle and Mayor Enzo Faienza are expected. A letter from the president will be read, the bell choir will perform and, of course, there will be plenty of refreshments.

       First Congregational Church has a long history that actually pre-dates its 1715 official organization of 23 members and original pastor, Joseph Smith. As current Pastor Douglas Van Veldhuisen explained, in 1703 the people of Cromwell, which at the time was part of Middletown, sought to form a society of their own, as river flooding made travel difficult to modern day Middletown.

       It was 12 years before they built a meeting house â€�"northeast of the old burying ground,” by what is now Pierson Park, according to a historical summary of the church created for its 275th anniversary. In 1714, they â€�"settled” Reverend Joseph Smith and on Jan. 5, 1715, the church was officially organized with its 23 charter members and Smith was installed as pastor.

       The church’s 355 Main St. building its third location. From 1736 through 1840, the meeting house was located on the village green, opposite the former Belden Library building.

       While the current facility has, of course, had many updates and expansions, the original meeting house was built by hand for a mere $6,385, according to Pastor Van Veldhuisen. The bell was $400.

       â€�"At the time, the Connecticut River would freeze solid and they drew brownstone across the river [from the Portland brownstone quarry] by horse and buggy,” he said. â€�"They had kegs of warm rum waiting for drivers.”

       Renovations to the church have been made with consideration for the church’s historical integrity.

       In 1933, the Frisbie brothers donated the church’s organ and piano.

       Including Reverend Joseph Smith, who served the church until 1736, there have been only 25 pastors at the church. Edward Eels, Gershom Buckley, Joshua L. Williams, Zebulon Crocker, George A. Bryan, James A. Clark, William K. Hall, Horatio O. Ladd, Thomas M. Miles, A. C. Hurd, Myron S. Dudley, Henry G. Marshall, Frederick M. Holister, Homer W. Hildreth, Harvey Carmichael, Eugene M. Bushong, James Meek Hamilton, Charles Sumner Osgood, Edwin Raymond Carter, H. Victor Allison, Gordon Grant Avery, Printice M. Toler and William J. Clark, Jr. each served as pastor, leading up to Pastor Van Veldhuisen, who has been with the church since 1986.

       since 1986.

       Throughout 2015, the church will be hosting numerous events in recognition of its 300th anniversary. On April 26, two former pastors are expected as guests at the FCC Family Reunion Banquet held at the Courtyard by Marriott in Cromwell. Ticket prices will be $20 per adult and $10 per youth.

       On Feb. 22, â€�"High Notes and High Tea” will feature the New England Chamber Choir for a 4 p.m. concert. More information will be forthcoming and, of course, events are open to all members of the community or anyone that has ties to the church.

       The church is seeking any photographs the public may have, particularly any that may be of pastors who served from 1933 on. Historical church memorabilia is also gratefully appreciated for display.

       For more information on church events, history, services or event tickets, please visit www.FCCcromwell.org or contact the church at 860-635-4806.