Our Church History
In 1833, the Rev. John Maltby Jr. dedicated the Hammond Street Congregational Church and preached the first sermon as the first called pastor. For at least 73 congregationalists on the west side of Bangor’s Kenduskeag River, this was the culmination of nearly two years of discussions, meetings, fund raising, separating from the First Congregational Church on Bangor’s east side (which was outgrowing its facility), selecting a site, and constructing a building to serve as a house of worship.
$15,000 was raised for a brick structure with a slate roof and interior meeting rooms. Building costs exceeded the allotted money, and the design was scaled down. It wasn’t until 1853-54 that money was raised to renovate the exterior, lengthen and heighten the walls, and to add the spire.
With the exception of the Arthur Little Wing added to the back a century later, Hammond Street Congregational Church (HSCC) looks much as it did in the mid-1850s. Seventeen called pastors have filled our pulpit since 1833. Ansley Coe Throckmorton, after serving three years as Associate Minister, was called to be one of these pastors, becoming the first female senior pastor for the entire United Church of Christ in the United States.
Bangor Theological Seminary
The Bangor Theological Seminary, an institution whose origin predated our church, was just up Hammond Street hill before its move to the Husson College Campus in 2005. Seminary leaders and faculty were active participants in the life of Hammond Street Congregational, assisting in the adult and children’s educational programs, providing numerous sermons in the absence of a pastor. Over the years, the church frequently hosted Seminary Convocations.
History of Service
Our church has a long history of community service and global outreach. While past efforts are notable, today’s activities are especially impactful. Our building houses the Bangor Food Pantry, established nearly 40 years ago. Our Christian Outreach Committee helped create and continues to support the Bangor Area Homeless Shelter and the Shaw House for homeless teenagers. Additionally, we serve monthly free luncheons at the church and also prepare meals for those in need at the Bangor Area Homeless Shelter.
Open and Affirming
Our church is on the National Historic Registry, and in 2003, we became an Open and Affirming (ONA) Congregation. Our ONA statement is, “We welcome all people regardless of backgrounds, circumstances, ethnicity, family configuration, gender identity, or sexual orientation into our faith community, and affirm the worth of all persons and acknowledge God’s love for all people.”
Statement on Racial Justice
Hammond Street Congregational published our statement on racial justice in 2020. Hammond Street Congregational “affirms the worth of all persons and acknowledges God’s love for all people, as Jesus taught us. We commit to working to find ways to combat anti-black racism and all forms of racism, standing with, working with, and listening to people of color; holding white people accountable for their actions, and nurturing and encouraging feelings of love and respect.” Read more on our statement of racial justice.
Hammond Street Congregational Church
God is still speaking.