First Congregational Church in Essex, United Church of Christ

About this church

First Congregational Church in Essex, also called Essex Congregational Church, gathers for worship on Sundays at 10 a.m. at 6 Methodist Hill in Essex, Connecticut. The congregation calls itself the "church on the hill" and has roots going back to 1852. It is a member of the United Church of Christ, governed congregationally and independent of any hierarchy. Music is a regular part of worship, drawing on vocal and bell choirs, instrumentalists, and chimers in the bell tower. Services are also posted to YouTube on Sunday afternoons, and the church is designated Open and Affirming.

For children, Sunday school runs from September through June for kindergarten-age through 6th grade, and a nursery space is available during the service. An inter-church youth group for high schoolers from Essex, Westbrook, and Old Saybrook meets two Sundays a month in the early evening. Adults can join a monthly book club, which meets on the second Monday afternoon in the Cove View room, or the prayer shawl ministry. Outreach includes partnerships with Shoreline Soup Kitchens and the Regional School District 4 backpack program. Visitors who need an entrance without stairs can park on Methodist Hill or Prospect Street and use the side door; the main sanctuary entrance has stairs and is reached from the parking lot. The office is open Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Confirm times on the church website.

Researched from the church’s official website and reviewed October 11, 2026. Sources: Worship time, entrances, UCC membership, history, address · Music, Sunday school, youth group, book club, outreach · Current events and contact details

Service times

Confirm current times directly with the church before visiting.

Location