Worship Sundays at 9 am
Marianapolis Chapel
26 Chase Road, Thompson
Worship Sundays
at 9 am
Marianapolis Chapel
26 Chase Road, Thompson
See whats happening!
See whats happening!
The Town’s Church
For nearly three centuries, Thompson Congregational, United Church of Christ has been at the heart Thompson Hill. Despite being known by many as “the church that burned,” we are so much more. In the years since the fire, we’ve made it our mission to be more than a building. We’ve become a leader among faith communities in support of local organizations like TEEG, have launched our groundbreaking Holbrook Fund initiative (read more below), and have become a steady voice of hope in trying times.
The Town’s Church
For nearly three centuries, Thompson Congregational, United Church of Christ has been at the heart Thompson Hill. Despite being known by many as “the church that burned,” we are so much more. In the years since the fire, we’ve made it our mission to be more than a building. We’ve become a leader among faith communities in support of local organizations like TEEG, have launched our groundbreaking Holbrook Fund initiative (read more below), and have become a steady voice of hope in trying times.
the holbrook fund
Established in memory of Dr. Lowell Holbrook, a local physician and surgeon during the Civil War, this fund began as an effort to provide assistance to Thompson residents with their medical bills. After seeing the devastating impact of the Opioid Crisis across New England and particularly in Thompson, we decided to dedicate this fund to help those seeking recovery achieve their goal.
Thompson residents seeking recovery are eligible for a one-time grant of up to $500 toward professional treatment.
Our location
Our iconic building is located on the historic Thompson Common at the corner of Thompson Road and Rt. 200. It is our gathering place for all weekday gatherings.
Worship is at 9am on Sunday at the Marianapolis Chapel, 26 Chase Road. Enter the Marianapolis campus across the common from the church and follow the signs to the chapel.
Our location
Our iconic building is located on the historic Thompson Common at the corner of Thompson Road and Rt. 200. It is our gathering place for all weekday gatherings.
Worship is at 9am on Sunday at the Marianapolis Chapel, 26 Chase Road. Enter the Marianapolis campus across the common from the church and follow the signs to the chapel.
A Three Century Story
Founded in 1728, before the town of Thompson was founded, Thompson Congregational, United Church of Christ has long been at the helm of our community’s religious life. Previously a part of the First Church of Killingly, our congregation was set apart to serve those locals who found it difficult to travel such a distance.
The present building is the congregation’s third. Opened in 1856, it was designed by a student of Sir Christopher Wren with a steeple 196′ high. The Great Hurricane of 1938 devastated the region, and our building was no exception. A new steeple was finally erected in October 1961, twenty-three years after the first was toppled by the storm. A quarter of a century later, the new steeple was consumed by fire. After recovering from that ruin, the church again burned in December 2016. An ongoing effort to return the church to its former glory is still underway. You can learn more about Vision 2020 here.
In the late 1980s, the church joined with other faith communities to form TEEG, the Thompson Ecumenical Empowerment Group. TEEG is now the social service agency for the towns of Thompson, Pomfret, and Woodstock. Their reach extends to surrounding towns as well, offering community programs, education, and support services; as well as, emergency food and summer lunch for children 0-18. Our church held 3 seats on TEEG’s founding of board directors. We are proud to continue supporting their life-changing work in our community.
Today we’re as committed to serving our community as we were the day we were founded.
Our Staff
The Rev. Dr. Greg Gray
Pastor, greg@thompsonucc.org
The Reverend Dr. Greg Gray is originally from Monroe, GA, where he grew up in the church. He graduated from the University of Georgia in 2008 with an AB in Speech Communication and in 2011 with an AB in Music (Voice), and graduated with a Master of Divinity at Candler School of Theology in May 2014. He completed a Master of Sacred Theology at Boston University School of Theology in May 2015, and a Doctor of Ministry also from Boston University School of Theology in May 2018 focusing on the worship practices of the church and how we can make them inclusive of all people through our diverse expressions of liturgy and music. Dr. Gray helped to found the Candler Reconciling Ministries Student Group in February 2014, and worked for Reconciling Ministries Network as a Field Organizer in the North Georgia, South Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Western North Carolina Annual Conferences in 2014-2015. He currently resides in Danielson, CT with his husband, the Rev. Dr. Jonathan Chapman who is the pastor of Westfield United Church of Christ in Danielson. He is currently serving as the pastor of Thompson Congregational, United Church of Christ in Thompson, CT, and is also serving the Connecticut Conference, United Church of Christ as the chair of the Conference Open and Affirming Ministry Team.
Melissa Fountain
Church Secretary, office@thompsonucc.org
Melissa Fountain is originally from Moosup, CT. She graduated from Plainfield Highschool in 2001. She currently lives in Rodgers, CT with husband Joe and kids Carter and Tenleigh (aka Red). She loves succulents, and keeps the office so hot you might pass out when you come visit.
Melissa Fountain
Church Secretary, office@thompsonucc.org
Melissa Fountain is originally from Moosup, CT. She graduated from Plainfield Highschool in 2001. She currently lives in Rodgers, CT with husband Joe and kids Carter and Tenleigh (aka Red). She loves succulents, and keeps the office so hot you might pass out when you come visit.
You’re welcome Here. Really.
We, the members of Thompson Congregational, United Church of Christ, in the spirit of our commitment to honor all persons, declare ourselves to be a welcoming, Open and Affirming Church. Following Christ’s commandment to love one another, and with God’s grace, we invite into our midst all persons regardless of opinion, age, race, ethnicity, culture, sexual orientation, gender identity, family structure, marital status, mental health, emotional or physical capacities. We welcome all to share fully in the life and leadership, ministry and fellowship, worship, sacraments, responsibilities, and blessings of participation in our congregation. No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here for each of us is a beloved child of God.
You’re welcome Here. Really.
We, the members of Thompson Congregational, United Church of Christ, in the spirit of our commitment to honor all persons, declare ourselves to be a welcoming, Open and Affirming Church. Following Christ’s commandment to love one another, and with God’s grace, we invite into our midst all persons regardless of opinion, age, race, ethnicity, culture, sexual orientation, gender identity, family structure, marital status, mental health, emotional or physical capacities. We welcome all to share fully in the life and leadership, ministry and fellowship, worship, sacraments, responsibilities, and blessings of participation in our congregation. No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here for each of us is a beloved child of God.