1824 to 1997: A Brief Look at Our Church Prior to 1824, people living in the Canal Village (Falls area of town), trekked to the Center Church each Sunday along the main road, now North Main Street, for Sabbath services. In February, 1824, "The South Society in South Hadley" was formed "for the purpose of maintaining the public worship of God, and public instruction in the doctrines and practice of the Christian religion." The membership was a combination of Congregationalists, Baptists, and Methodists combining with the small settlement which was to become Holyoke. Because there were more Congregationalists than others, it became known as a Congregationalist Church. Throughout the years, we have been a welcoming church. We have experienced growth, down sizing, interim leadership, long term leadership, celebrations and disaster. Our church life reflects our families' lives. Of our biggest disaster, the burning of our church on April 22,1947 to the construction of our present building, we have worked and prayed together. We have had many pastors throughout the years, but our biggest strength is our individual members who still come to us from many different backgrounds. We are committed to individuals and families who seek to grow in faith. We have many activities for all: from our Church School and Youth Group, Missions, Music, Womens' Fellowship and special events. We are open to new ideas and ways of responding to our present world. We intend to be a "foundation for the future", keeping the commitment begun in 1824. Please join us in our work and play toward making God a focus in our lives.