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Parcel 9
ORANGE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
Meetinghouse Lane

Facing Meetinghouse Lane and the north end of the Green stands the white frame church built in 1810 and designed by the outstanding Connecticut architect, David Hoadley. The land was donated by Samuel Treat, 2 1/2 rods north of the small meetinghouse then in use, and consisted of one acre 1 rod m/l.

The four-square front tower raises from the ground and features paneled double doors topped with glass lights. Above is a handsome Palladian window. Far above is a painted black oval "window," a typical Hoadley touch. At the top the domed belfry rises, surrounded by picket fence and louvered openings. A weathervane completes the picture. The original bell was found defective and in 1822 a new bell was purchased and installed. It was used to call the townspeople to worship and to town meetings, and also tolled for each death.

The raising of the building took four days. The oaken posts are 10 inches square, and the ridge pole, seven inches. Hoadley's fee of $825 was the largest single item in the cost of the building.

A remodeling took place in 1864, and in 1886 a pipe organ was installed. When the church body celebrated its centennial in 1905 another remodeling brought a two-story addition to the north end. A three-day gala marked the occasion. There were three front doors at one time (see letter).

The fieldstone foundation had been laid without basement excavation. In 1926 the men of the church gathered around and dug out the basement under the building. This most difficult task resulted in space for a dining hall and kitchen, still in use.

Two two-story wings were added in 1927 providing a parish hall and a choir room and study. In 1957 the parking lot was developed on land purchased from Hannah Clark Russell. The present two-story parish house of white painted brick was added in 1957, designed by Henry Kelly. (Horse sheds built in 1851 and others built in 1870 were removed in 1933 in order to build this addition.)

LAND DEED RECORDS
GRANTOR	GRANTEE	DATE	TOWN
Samuel Treat	Jon. Rogers & Jon. Treat Comm. of N.Mfd. Society	1/9/1812 One acre + One rod m/1	W.H.