United Congregational Church celebrates 330 years with daffodil dedication

Last Sunday, United Congregational Church marked a joyful milestone with a Daffodil Dedication to celebrate its 330th anniversary. Though not a typical milestone, the event offered a long-awaited opportunity to honor a history that couldn’t be celebrated five years ago, when the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic abruptly halted plans for the 325th anniversary.

The planting and dedication of 330 daffodils on the church’s front lawn not only honor United’s roots dating back to 1695, but also symbolize hope, resilience, and growth for generations to come. More than 35 church members and friends planted the bulbs—330 of them—last fall in anticipation of this historic occasion. Following Sunday’s dedication, led by United’s newly settled—and first settled woman—pastor, the Rev. Dr. Laurene Bowers, the congregation gathered for a group photo and celebratory brunch.

United has a rich history of marking major anniversaries with reflection, remembrance, and community. For its 275^th anniversary, the congregation, alongside then-minister Rev. John W. Dorney, reenacted the 1695 eviction of Congregationalists from the Colony House, which at the time served as both their place of worship and the capital of colonial Rhode Island. That event marked a pivotal moment in early Rhode Island history that contributed to shaping the principle of the separation of church and state in the U.S. Constitution.

During its 300^th anniversary, the church unveiled a stunning hand-stitched tapestry depicting Sarah Osborn, a significant figure in early American Congregationalist history. During the Revolutionary War and the British occupation of Newport—when churches were used as barracks and homes were burned for firewood—Osborn kept the flame of worship alive by welcoming people of all races and backgrounds into her home for religious instruction and prayer.  The tapestry, completed by more than 330 church members and friends and representing over 4,000 hours of work and 800,000 stitches, shows Osborn surrounded by the eight buildings used by the congregation from 1695 to the present. Also released that year was an award-winning book by church historian Florence Archambault, offering further insight into Osborn and the church’s history.

Although plans for United’s 325^th anniversary were put on hold due to the pandemic, the delay underscores the church’s enduring resilience and ability to adapt in the face of adversity. Lockdown brought new ways of keeping members connected. “We modernized our technology and brought the church into the 21^st century,” said Derek Levesque, church secretary of 20 years. “We added social media into our toolkit, along with high-speed internet access, live-streaming services, and the ability to produce content for YouTube and clips for social media.” The changes and unexpected benefits allowed United to stay connected and grow during a time of widespread isolation, strengthening the foundation for its future.

This year’s 330^th celebration, including the Daffodil Dedication, reflects not only United’s rich history but also its enduring spirit of community, faith, and resilience. It also marks the 50^th anniversary of the congregation’s current home at 524 Valley Road. The Daffodil Dedication is one of several events planned as part of a year-long celebration, which began—and will culminate—with United’s beloved Christmas puppet show, The Nativity of Christ.

For event details and updates, please visit www.uccmiddletown.org or follow United Congregational Church on Facebook.