From its beginning as a township (December 31, 1734) granted to sixty residents of Salem, MA by the Massachusetts General Court, there has been a spiritual presence “on the hill” in New Salem Center. That spiritual presence continues with the Ministry and Misson of Central Congregational Church of New Salem. Here is a brief history of the church’s evolution that dates back to 1736...
In 1736, the Town voted to erect a meeting house. In 1739, Parish society was organized – distinct and separate from town organization.
In 1793, the meeting house was moved to the northeast corner of the town common. The first floor was used as an academy. The next year, new meeting house was built on the opposite side of the common – it became the Unitarian Church.
In 1807, a meeting house was built in North New Salem. With the separation of the Congregational Churches in Massachusetts in 1823, a parish society was formed known as the Second Cong. Church.
In 1833, dissenters organized the Third Congregational Church, which meet in the Academy building until the Town Hall was constructed in 1838, when they began to meet there.
In 1845, its society was reorganized and its official name was the Orthodox Cong. Church and continued to meet in the Town Hall until the North Meeting House was constructed in 1853.
In 1895, the church building was “raised” and the “Vestry” was built underneath. In 1934, the Orthodox Congregational Church became incorporated and drew up bylaws, changing its name to Central Congregational Church of New Salem.
In 1937, with the construction of the Quabbin Reservoir, the North Dana Universalist Church gave CCC of New Salem it’s pipe organ, pews, pulpit and carpet. Similarly, the Enfield Cong. Church gave its bell to the Church.
In 1958, the church voted to become a member of the newly formed United Church of Christ.