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We take pride in being a warm, accepting community and welcome all persons who wish to experience the love of God through Jesus Christ. At AHCC we find friendship, dynamic sermons and a renewed personal relationship with God. We unconditionally accept each other and anyone who joins us as a disciple of Christ at any stage of their spiritual search. We welcome you
For the past 140 years, Asylum Hill Congregation Church has been a leader in the spiritual community of Hartford, Connecticut. We are a member of the United Church of Christ and the church home for more than 1800 members who reside in Hartford and more than 20 surrounding towns. Approximately 100 new members join the church each year. Church membership represents diverse backgrounds, professions and individual interests. Yet all members share a common commitment to the church's mission:
"To work for the increase in the love of God and neighbor in Jesus Christ through sharing, caring, outreach and worship."
Under the leadership of Senior Minister Gary Miller, the congregation ranks in the top one percent of all 6,500 United Church of Christ churches, with an average weekly attendance of 800 people. The worship services are elevated by an exceptional program of music and adult and children's choirs.
The ministry is complemented by two associate ministers, a minister of music and directors of Christian Education, Membership and Outreach Involvement. A team of 30 lay ministers is trained to provide pastoral care to individual members. The church strives to challenge its members along their individual faith journeys through a strong program of Christian education for children, youth and adults.
Outreach programs serving the Asylum Hill and Hartford communities provide opportunities for AHCC members to make a difference in the city in which they worship by their participation in various ministries.
AHCC has been a Hartford landmark since its founding in 1865. Its first pastor, Rev. Joseph H. Twichell enjoyed a 42 year ministry and was a close friend with the local luminary, Samuel B. Clemens, known as "Mark Twain". Twain's family rented a pew, which is marked by a plaque in the sanctuary. click here for more information on Mark Twain at Asylum Hill Congregational.
Our Senior Minister
Rev. Gary Miller has been described as one of the most dynamic and inspirational ministers in the Northeast. His popular services and meditations rooted in the Biblical message feature a common sense Christian approach to personal and societal problems.Under Rev. Miller's leadership, Asylum Hill Congregational has become one of fastest growing churches of its denomination in New England.
Our History
Mark Twain rented a pew in the sanctuary and Harriet Beecher Stowe was a frequent attendee.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT MARK TWAIN & JOE TWICHELL
Joseph Twichell, our first minister, was a close friend of Twain's and the traveling companion mentioned in Twain's book "A Tramp Abroad".
Asylum Hill, a sister church of Thomas Hooker's First Congregational Church, was established in 1865. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries it flourished as the church of local financiers, public and corporate officials, and the Hartford literary community. Our church community has grown to more than 1800 members.
Adult Fellowship
New members of Asylum Hill are always impressed by the number of adult activities that are available.
AHCC offers over 100 active programs, courses and committees at the church which appeal to the spiritual, intellectual, social and community outreach interests of our membership.
Music & The Arts
"Making a joyful noise unto the Lord" has been a tradition at Asylum Hill since its beginning. Under the skillful and imaginative leadership of Steve Mitchell, Minister of the Arts, Asylum Hill has one of the most highly respected musical programs of any church in the region.
The highlight of the musical season is the church's annual Boar's Head and Yule Log Festival. Almost 5000 people attend the five performances of this historic pageant performed in early January. The festival was recorded by Public Television for national broadcasting.
Children and Youth at AHCC
Children play an important role in the life of Asylum Hill and are integrated into the life of the church at every level.
Nursery care is provided for children under 3 years old and classroom instruction is offered every Sunday for children ages 3-14. Our church school program, Spirit Hill, commenced in the fall of 2000 and continues to expand each year.
The Youth Ministry Program serves young people from grades 7-12 with an emphasis on faith development, service, and Christian fellowship. At an age where a person can be struggling with identity and purpose, the program seeks to provide an environment where each young person can feel a sense of place and belonging.
During Sunday morning sessions, 7th and 8th graders are brought together for a time of education and fellowship, building on the strong foundation established through their time in Spirit Hill. In the 8th grade, students join the Confirmation Class, where they are invited to explore their relationship with God and faith more deeply through a series of 16 class sessions and 2 retreats. The class culminates with each student writing a statement of faith reflecting their journey over the past year, at which time they are invited to join AHCC as full members of the congregation.
Our Growing Membership
Visitors often comment on the warmth and friendliness of our congregation. While the church is located in the heart of the city, 80% of the membership is from the major suburbs surrounding Hartford. Many members and visitors drive over 20 miles to worship in the Capital City.
Our members find the urban environment a special opportunity for Christian service. For example, Asylum Hill is the first church in the nation to fund an "I Have a Dream" program which guarantees a college scholarship to 6th graders in a neighborhood school through member contributions.
If you are currently a member of a church, we urge you to continue to pledge yourself and your talents to its service. If, however, you are uncommitted and searching for a caring congregation to meet your needs and assist you in reaching out to others, we invite you to join us. E-mail us at info@ahcc.org to request more information about AHCC.
Our Landmark Church
Built in 1866, AHCC is the only Gothic Congregational Church in Greater Hartford; its general outline follows the structures of 14th and 15th century English parish churches, with details borrowed from the great English cathedrals. The exterior of the church is sheathed in brownstone from nearby Portland, Connecticut.
The church is noted for its outstanding memorial stained glass windows in the main sanctuary and its magnificent Aeolian-Skinner organ.
Tour Asylum Hill Congregational Church
© 2006 Asylum Hill Congregational Church
Hartford, CT 06105