First Church of Monson

{{local|date=January 2015}} thumb|right|250px|<div style="text-align: center;">First Church of Monson Congregational</div> The Congregational Church, or the '''First Church of Monson''' is a historic church located in Monson, Massachusetts that is currently affiliated with the United Church of Christ.

== History == The church was first established in 1762. A second meeting house was built in 1803, and was replaced by the current structure in 1873. The older building apparently survived beyond its days as a church and was then used as an A&P store. The Reverend Jesse Ives was minister from 1773-1805. The church is currently affiliated with the United Church of Christ. It is home to an organ which is a sought-after instrument for many recitals.

== 2011 Tornado == On June 1, 2011, an EF3 tornado severely damaged the church, toppling the steeple, and damaging buildings and trees in the adjacent area.<ref name="2011tornado">Boston.com, [https://web.archive.org/web/20121103150031/http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2011/06/01/pastor_monson_battered_by_apparent_tornado/ Pastor: Monson battered by apparent tornado] 2011-06-01. Retrieved 2011-06-01.</ref>

== See also == * Congregational Church

== References == {{Reflist}}

== External links == {{commons category}} * [http://www.firstchurchmonson.org Official church website] {{coord|42|06|09.42|N|72|19|10.43|W|display=title}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:First Church Of Monson}} Category:United Church of Christ churches in Massachusetts Category:Churches in Hampden County, Massachusetts Category:Religious organizations established in 1762 Category:1762 establishments in the Province of Massachusetts Bay Category:Churches completed in 1873 Category:Monson, Massachusetts