WELCOME WE'RE GLAD YOU'RE HERE
WELCOME WE'RE GLAD YOU'RE HERE
ABOUT US
OUR HISTORY
The Puritan Colonists who formed the Massachusetts Bay Colony established Congregational Churches throughout Massachusetts, including in Rutland. A committee of proprietors held a meeting in 1720 to establish the location for the meeting house, choosing a site at the southeast corner of the old Burial Ground. The first building was erected there in 1721. The present Church building is the fifth to be built at this site, each of the previous buildings having burned. The Congregational Church has continued to serve the community for nearly 300 years, as a place of spiritual renewal and community service. Its kitchen and dining hall have hosted suppers and events open to the public, and town organizations including Scouts, the Lions Club, and AA have used this facility. From its early beginnings in 1723 to the present time the church continues to be a valuable asset to the community of Rutland.
PASTOR DAVID FISH
Is a Graduate of Andover Newton Theological School. Prior to his call to parish ministry he worked as a Spiritual Care Councilor in hospice and spent 23 years in the factory setting. Though not accomplished, Pastor Dave plays and loves the guitar. He also loves the energy of the people who worship here.
He says, “The dedication of this small church to neighbor and community exemplifies the call of Jesus to love our neighbor.”
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT:
TERESA HENDRICKSON
Teresa grew up in Rutland and is a Wachusett graduate. She continued studying Business at Quinsigamond Community College and worked long term for a small bookkeeping company before transitioning into a career in finance. She is grateful for the opportunity to serve such a loving and welcoming community.
MUSICIAN: HANS BETANCOURTH
My name is Hans Betancourth Pulido and I’m pleased to be joining you as a Church’s Musician. The First Congressional Church of Rutland is my first exposure as a Church’s Musician. I’m happy to be here because The Worship Music make me growing professional and personally. But above all it allows me to share music with devotion to the wonderful people of the community.
My training and musical experience have taken many routes that influence the music brought to you: Master in Music as an Interdisciplinary Art . Universidad de Barcelona-Spain. Postgraduate degree in jazz and modern music. Conservatori del Liceu, Barcelona – Spain. Bachelor of Music. Universidad de Caldas, Colombia. Saxophonist. Programa de Bandas de Caldas, Colombia. I continue performing as a soloist with jazz, Latin, and classical ensembles and discovering every week new repertory playing the organ and singing with the choir.
In closing, I want to welcome all talent, singers of all levels and ages and instrumentalists alike. Please talk to me about your musical interests. I’d love to have you join us!