Our Beginning
Originally the town of Columbia was part of the town of Lebanon, just to our south. All who lived here worshiped in the center of present-day Lebanon which required at least a seven mile walk. In 1715, twenty-four men petitioned Lebanon for permission to organize their own ecclesiastical society for reasons of remoteness. Lebanon approved the request and in 1716, the General Assembly in Hartford granted the request. It took four years to find a settled pastor, so 1720 is recorded as the year the Columbia Church was established.
Our History
Notable Pastors
Rev. Eleazar Wheelock
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Our third pastor, the Rev. Eleazar Wheelock, who served from 1735 - 1770, is our most famous pastor. He was very active in the "Great Awakening" which led to the building of our second meeting house in 1754 to accommodate the increased number of worshipers who came to hear his fiery sermons. He also founded the Moors Charity School and later Dartmouth College.
Rev. Frederick Avery
Frederick Avery (our 8th minister) Served from 1850-1895. Our longest serving pastor, he was known as “father” to the children of Columbia. He served as school superintendent, instituted special children’s services and established the youth ministry for teenagers. The Chapel on the Green was built during his tenure to house these services. He was also a historian, published author and state representative.
Rev. George Evans
George Evans (our 24th minister) served from 1957-1987. He was noted for promoting the community mission of the church. He was one of the founders of the Windham Area Interfaith Ministry (WAIM) and the regional public health nurse agency. The church extension which houses offices, church school rooms and the Community Hall was built during his tenure. George also established the Handbell Choir at our church that continues today.