OUR VISION STATEMENT

This Church will serve the town of Little Compton, Rhode Island, and the world in its historic presence as a place of worship, a source of faith-based education, and as stewards for social programs, which will reflect our dynamic Christian faith in both local and global venues.

The “diversity of gifts” for which we are stewards includes the following: our social contract with society; the legacy and history of those preceding us; the needs of those, members and others, that we serve now and in the future; the community trust afforded us; the human resources of staff and volunteers; our expanding membership; financial supporters; our physical plant and its potential for expansion. Other “gifts” include a membership rich in experience and talents capable of sustaining the ministry of this Church, a vibrant Pastoral staff, an effective system of Governance, Lay leadership in Worship and Missions, and a capacity to communicate and coordinate our ministry through technology and fellowship.

As an historic place of worship, every effort will be taken to sustain the purpose of our sanctuary for prayer, presentation of the scriptures, and a gathering place for Congregational meeting.

As an evolving place of education that will “ teach faith to all ages ” in an expanding population, this Church will identify our constituency and provide suitable teaching space to enhance the ministry potential to church groups which include specific age groups, younger families, older families, senior citizens, and others. Particular emphasis will be directed toward the church of the future in careful planning for a vibrant Sunday School program, a Minister of Education, creative youth programs, and expanded adult education opportunities. All of our physical assets should be in timely support of these central facets of ministry.

“Serving our neighbors in a ministry of caring and justice” requires that this church will identify those in need in the Little Compton Community through our existing programs, but also includes the challenge of a timely ministerial response to Community needs as they arise in the future. Through sensitive leadership, this Church will maintain its historic advocacy for programs and policies that support local citizens. Outreach beyond the community will continue through efforts to help those in need in other communities, around the state, and the world.

The future ministry of the Church will depend upon the timely planning for the Financial support needed to expand our physical assets (to include purchase of any adjacent properties), our staff, our support of missions, and our Christian vigil in Little Compton. Other strategies to serve the community will be programs that are income generating (Day Care, Summer Schools, Pre-School, After-School programs).

The critical element of planning our future will be the people who are “inspired by the teachings of our Lord, Jesus Christ .” Our Pastor, with his/her assistants will guide us to “face our future with hope and confidence in God's purpose.” To “nurture each individual's spiritual journey” will be the collective goal we seek in this 4th Century of ministry to Little Compton, Rhode Island, and the world.

OUR HERITAGE

Older than the United States, the United Congregational Church of Little Compton has been a place of worship and education since 1704. Originally part of Plymouth Colony, Little Compton church meetings were held for more than twenty years in the Town House of 1693 which stood directly north of the present church until it burned in 1917. In 1724 a meetinghouse strictly for religious use was build on the site of the present church, but with its long side running east and west. The building was replaced after 108 years by the upper part of the present building, which contains much material from the older building. As the 19th century progressed, church activities increased, so in 1872 the bold step was taken to raise the building and build a vestry beneath for Sunday school, church suppers, and other non-religious functions. New stairs, entry, belfry, and steeple were also added. Various restorations have taken place through the years, including the elevator addition, renovation of the sanctuary, and installation of the new organ in 2001.