History

Long ago a firm of speculators in Boston secured the land now occupied by the Village of Hammond. In July 1855 the land was transferred to Hammond. Early settlers were Peter Quinan, John Nelson, John Peabody and many more came for the “healthful atmosphere” and the beautiful location for farm homes.

In July 1856 the township was platted. John Thayer and family came to the town in their covered wagons from Ohio. In the fall of 1856 Reverend George Spaulding arrives with the interest of building a store and administering to the people spiritually.

In 1857 Deacon Beach Sanford and family brought letter from the Congregational Church in Ohio feeling a great need of having a church home where they could meet and worship God together.

Deacon Sanford along with Deacon Merrett Clark and John Thayer met, prayed and secured the service of Rev. Spaulding on May 1, 1858. His salary commenced on July 1, 1858.

July 6, 1858 a council was form3ed for the purpose of organizing a church. The council was composed of numerous clergy from Hudson and River Falls, including the Presbyterian and Congregational churched. There were fifteen letters of membership presented. Some of the family members were; the Sanfords from Rootstown, Ohio; the Thayers from Scipio, Ohio; the Clarks from Baraboo, Wisconsin; and the Spauldings from Marine, Minnesota.

Reverend Spaulding presented the church with two lots, with two additional lots obtained in a trade with the Methodist church. They got two lots on the North side for two lots on the South side. The parsonage was built at the Church’s present location with one room for church meetings, up until this point they were meeting in a small schoolhouse. Reverend Spaulding resigned as the church minister in 1865 and was replaced with Reverend G.W. Miller until 1868. The church proper was subscribed in 1827 for $2700; the church building was complete in 1873. In 1883, as addition called the prayer room was built onto the church for a cost of $500, which is part of out present dining room.

Eleven pastors served the church from 1881-1907. Reverend James Black accepted the churched call and remained for several years. During this period the stained glass windows were installed, which are a tribute to God, our Village, and church founders.

The period between 1928 and 1942 was financially troubling for the church being rescued through the Ladies Aid (Auxiliary) on many occasions. Between 1942 and 1951 many improvements were made; new organ, pulpit, baptismal fount, kitchen cupboards. In 1951, a new kitchen, restrooms, Sunday school room, and two new oil burning furnaces were added.

In 1956 new adventures were brought to the church, the congregation voted to be yoked with the Roberts Congregational Church. Ironically our Centennial anniversary was celebrated on July 20, 1858, the same date we celebrated our 150^th anniversary. During the years 1960 and 1968 our dining room was remolded, new hymnals and used pews were purchased from Baldwin Lutheran for $750. In March 1961 the group voted and became part of the United Church of Christ.