Dixwell Church

NEWS UPDATE

Welcome to the Dixwell Avenue Congregational Church, UCC Website.

The object of this church shall be to bind together followers of Jesus Christ for the purpose of the worship of God, and the making of His Will dominant in the lives of the people, individually and collectively, especially as that will is set forth in the life, teachings, death, and living presence of Jesus Christ.

Jesus said in John 15:14, “If you love me, you will obey my commandments.” Because we love Christ, we are partners in implementing the Two G learn more

Our History

“History cannot give us a program for the future, but it can give us a fuller understanding of ourselves, and of our common humanity, so that we can better face the future.” (Robert Penn Warren)

Dixwell Avenue United Church of Christ is a church with an illustrious history. Founded in 1820, our church has engaged in ministry, activism, and fellowship throughout its 189 years. Under the guise of our leadership. Dixwell has worked to better the lives of its members, local and Christian community. Dixwell Church is housed in New Haven, CT, a city which has been witness to many important historical events that have shaped the state and the nation. Throughout much of that history, Dixwell church has remained a mainstay in the community in which we reside and we hope to continue our presence for many years to come. Please enjoy reading about our proud history.

In 1820, Simeon Jocelyn and 24 former slaves organized the African Ecclesiastical Society. As a white abolitionist, Mr. Jocelyn demonstrated the passion necessary to lead this congregation. In the beginning, the Society would meet at various homes throughout New Haven until establishing itself on Temple Street. In 1829 the African Ecclesiastical Society was formally established as a Congregational Church. Mr. Jocelyn served as the first minister.

After renovating the Temple Street building in May of 1845, the church began searching for a new building to address the growing congregation and overall growth of the church. In 1886, the church moved to 100 Dixwell Avenue where it remained until 1969. In that year, under the leadership of Reverend Dr. Edwin R. Edmonds, the church moved to its current location at 217 Dixwell Avenue.