OUR HISTORY SERVES OUR FUTURE

c 1890 post card shows Town hall of Norfolk (which was the North Parish Meeting-house
from 1801-1862, then become the Town Hall until 1922).
Union Congregational Church and Central School are below the town hall.

 BICENTENNIAL FEDERATED CHURCH OF NORFOLK HISTORY BOOK  AVAILABLE
This hardcover limited edition was researched and written by Aaron and Emily Nicodemus and Phyllis Payne
and includes historical documents and color photos.
Price is $35
Contact the church office 508-528-0262 to order yours today!

In 1795, the Nort. Wrentham Church (now Norfolk) was organized when the Wrentham minister, Rev. David Avery, came to establish a new church. The first meetinghouse was built in 1796 on what is now known as the Town Hill. The building later became Norfolk’s Town Hall, which unfortunately was completely destroyed by fire on December 5, 1922.

In 1832, our present building was started. The church records of September 24, 832 read-"It was voted that the Society build a meeting house 48 feet long, 38 feet wide with 18 foot roof to be built on the same form as the Universalist Meeting House in Dedham except the cupola which is to be like the Meeting House in Medfield."

The name of the building has changed through the years. It has been known as The Orthodox Church and The Union Congregational Church. In 1918, under the leadership of Dr. William J. Lowstutter, the congregation united with the Norfolk Baptist Society and became The Federated Church of Norfolk.

In 1950 the vestry was enlarged and the pastor's study was added and a new church parlor called "The Lowstutter Room" was built. In April of 1961 a fire destroyed much of the interior of the vestry. The rebuilding of the vestry began and at the same time a new educational building was erected. The old vestry now emerged with many improvements, such as new coat rooms and a serving room opening to the kitchen. In 1964 a clock and steeple were added and the carillon was dedicated in 1976 in a special Bicentennial service.

The Federated Church of Norfolk today is a community church representing many Protestant denominations, and holds full membership in the United Church of Christ and the American Baptist Churches of the USA. In 1995, we recognized our 200th anniversary with a year long celebration. Services each month focused on each decade leading up to a celebration dinner. As we enter our third century, we look forward to growth and continuing service to the residents of Norfolk and the surrounding communities.