Historic Immigration Waves, Religious Bodies, and Churches in Sullivan County

First Baptist Church, Newport. Image Credit: Madeline Ferland.

Historic Immigration Waves, Religious Bodies, and Churches in Sullivan County

The churches in Sullivan County have long shaped the region’s diverse Christian history. Beginning with the colonial Protestant roots of its early settlers, the religious landscape evolved to accommodate new Western faith traditions brought by successive waves of immigration. From Congregational and Presbyterian churches that reflect the county’s Puritan origins to the Catholic and Orthodox churches established by Eastern European immigrants, the county’s Christian and Abrahamic heritage tell the story of cultural shifts and community-building. 

First Baptist Church, Newport. Image Credit: Madeline Ferland.

Today, Sullivan County’s religious landscape continues to evolve, with new denominations and worship spaces emerging alongside other growing trends, reflecting both European influences and local changes. Check out the Association of Religion Data Archives Sullivan County Membership Report from 2020 to see what traditions and religious bodies exist in the county.  

Colonial Mainline Protestant Churches in Sullivan County

The history of early Protestant churches in Sullivan County established by British settlers during the colonial period played a significant role in shaping the religious and cultural landscape of the region, still seen today.

Congregational and Presbyterian Churches

Congregational churches were among the earliest and most prominent in the area, reflecting the Puritan roots of many New England settlers. One notable example is the Old South Congregational Church in Newport, which was established in 1779. This church, designed by renowned architect Asher Benjamin, still stands today and serves as a testament to the enduring influence of Congregationalism in the region.

First Congregational Church, Claremont. Image Credit: Madeline Ferland.

Episcopal Churches

The Episcopal tradition also took root in Sullivan County. The Union Church in Claremont, built between 1771 and 1773, is a prime example of early Episcopal influence in the area. This wood-frame structure, located on Old Church Road, represents one of the oldest surviving church buildings in the county.

The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany, Newport. Image Credit: Madeline Ferland.

Baptist and Methodist Churches

The Baptist and Methodist congregations in Sullivan County were established during the 18th and 19th centuries, reflecting the religious fervor of the Great Awakening and the expansion of Methodism across New England. The Newport Baptist Church, originally founded as South Congregational Church, and the First Baptist Church of Claremont, established in the early 19th century, became important centers of worship, embodying the Baptist tradition’s emphasis on personal faith and scriptural authority. Similarly, Methodist congregations like the Claremont United Methodist Church and the Grantham United Methodist Church emerged during the 19th century. They were driven by circuit-riding preachers who brought the Methodist movement’s focus on inclusivity and social outreach to rural areas. These churches not only served as spiritual hubs but also played vital roles in fostering community as the county grew from industrial productivity.

Methodist Church, Claremont. Image Credit: Madeline Ferland.

Origins of Settlers

The majority of early settlers in New Hampshire, including Sullivan County, were of British Protestant origin. They came from various parts of England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, bringing with them their respective religious traditions:

  • Puritans and Congregationalists primarily from East Anglia and the West Country of England.
  • Presbyterians, often of Scots-Irish descent, from Northern Ireland and Scotland.
  • Anglicans (later Episcopalians) from various parts of England.
  • Baptists and Methodists, whose followers often came from working-class backgrounds in England and Wales.

Trinity Episcopal Church, Claremont. Image Credit: Madeline Ferland.

Cultural Influence of Protestant Roots

The Protestant roots of Sullivan County’s early settlers had a profound impact on the area’s culture and society:

  • Community Organization: Churches often served as the center of community life, influencing social structures and local governance.
  • Education: Many early schools were established and run by religious institutions, shaping the educational landscape of the region.
  • Work Ethic: The Protestant work ethic, emphasizing hard work, frugality, and personal responsibility, became ingrained in the local culture.
  • Architectural Heritage: Church buildings, like the Old South Congregational Church in Newport, became important landmarks and examples of early American architecture.
  • Social Reform: Protestant churches often led efforts in social reform movements, including temperance and abolition.
  • Religious Diversity: Over time, the presence of various Protestant denominations fostered a climate of religious pluralism, which became a hallmark of American society.

United Methodist Church, Newport. Image Credit: Madeline Ferland.

The Protestant heritage of early settlers continues to influence the region’s cultural identity, even as religious demographics have shifted over the centuries. Many historic churches in Sullivan County remain as testaments to this enduring legacy, serving both as active places of worship and as important historical landmarks.

19th & 20th Century (Eastern) European Churches

During the 19th-century wave of European immigration, the region saw an influx of Irish, Italian, Greek, and Polish settlers driven by industrial job opportunities. These immigrants established a variety of churches in Sullivan County central to their cultural and religious identities, particularly Catholic and Orthodox churches. These churches helped sustain their communities and traditions with communal events, religious services, and social gatherings, helping to unite European families who brought over cherished customs and holidays. They were instrumental in building structures of community that reinforced immigrant Catholic, Orthodox, and Jewish values.

St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Claremont

St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church dates back to the early 19th century. The original building, known as Old St. Mary’s, was erected in 1823 under the direction of Reverend Virgil Horace Barber, S.J. It is located on Old Church Road in West Claremont.  It is also considered the second oldest Catholic structure standing in New England. This original church building also housed the first Roman Catholic school in New Hampshire.

St Mary’s School Claremont. Image Credit: Madeline Ferland.

The current St. Mary’s Church building on Central Street in Claremont was constructed between 1870 and 1873, with the first Mass celebrated in October 1871. The church underwent remodeling in 1881 and was rededicated in 1884. 

St Mary Rectory, Claremont. Image Credit: Madeline Ferland.

St. Patrick Catholic Church in Newport

St. Patrick Church has been serving the community for nearly 150 years. It was dedicated on November 29, 1883, with a congregation of Irish immigrants who had come to work in the mills as early as 1835. It was initially a mission of St. Mary Church in Claremont until 1902. In that year, it became an independent parish, covering multiple towns and led by its first pastor, Fr. James J. Hogan. The church, built in Gothic style and local craftsmanship designed by Hira Ransom Beckwith, was funded by community contributions. The parish has grown over time, playing a central role in the region’s Catholic community.

St Patrick Church. Image Credit: St Patrick Parrish.

St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church in Claremont

St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church stands out from the rest of the traditional churches in the county for its light pink and cream facade and lack of a central and commanding steeple, as with most New England churches. The church was established in 1920 when the Thaddeus Kosciusko Society purchased land and deeded it to the Diocese of Manchester. Initially called Our Lady of Ostrabrama, the church was renamed St. Joseph’s in 1923 and dedicated in 1926. The parish grew through contributions from local Polish families and the hard work of its pastors, including Rev. Maurice Sekiewicz. He spearheaded the construction of the church’s Gothic superstructure in the 1920s. The church continues to serve the community with regular masses, events, and a strong cultural legacy. They celebrated milestones like its 50th anniversary in 1975 and its Golden Jubilee in 2000.

St Joseph Roman Catholic Church, Claremont. Image Credit: Madeline Ferland.

St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church in Newport

St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church traces its roots to the early 1900s when Greek immigrants settled in the area, mainly working in shoe shops and mills. By the 1920s, as families grew, the community’s religious needs became more pressing. In 1949, a piece of land was donated for a church, and construction began in 1951. The church opened in 1952, with a bell tower added in 1992. Today, the church community thrives on its deep love for God, family, and both Greek and Newport culture.

St Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church, Newport. Image Credit: Madeline Ferland.

Holy Resurrection Russian Orthodox Church in Claremont

The Holy Resurrection Orthodox Church has a rich history tied to Eastern European immigrants, particularly from the Russian Orthodox tradition, who settled in the area in the early 1900s. The church was officially established in 1914, following the creation of the Brotherhood of the Holy Resurrection and the growing need for a space to serve the spiritual and community needs of these immigrants. In 1941, contractor Walter Fletcher built the current building for $10,000 (now the equivalent of about $215,000). The architectural style of Holy Resurrection is emblematic of Eastern Orthodox churches. It features a bell tower and distinctive onion domes topped with bronze crosses, which are symbolic of the Orthodox Christian faith.

 

Holy Resurrection Russian Orthodox Church, Claremont. Image Credit: Madeline Ferland.

Historic Temple Meyer-David in Claremont

The historic Claremont synagogue, Temple Meyer-David, has witnessed the changing dynamics of Claremont’s Jewish community since its establishment in 1946. Originally built as a schoolhouse in 1850, the building was converted into a synagogue after World War II. It met the needs of a growing Jewish community who had previously gathered in private homes. Named in honor of local Jewish servicemen Meyer Satzow and David Blumberg, the temple thrived in the mid-20th century. Unfortunately, the Meyer-David Community gradually saw fewer members as families moved away.  In 2022, Burpee Hill Construction planned a transformation of the closed up property into a multi-family housing complex, helping to address the area’s housing shortage while preserving the building’s legacy. The Meyer-David community, though without its original temple, still has a presence in the region and is an active supporter and sponsor for events and community fun.

Former Temple Meyer David, Claremont. Image Credit: Madeline Ferland.

Modern Diversification of Religion Trends

Over the past few decades, the county has seen a slightly more diversified religious landscape. This reflects a shift toward more varied faith communities. New denominations and places of worship have emerged, broadening the spectrum of religious observance in the region. One example of this trend is the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Claremont. This church reflects the influence of larger religious movements reaching smaller New England towns, offering a distinct form of Christian worship centered on Bible study and evangelism. Similarly, the Sugar River Mennonite Fellowship in Charlestown represents the presence of Anabaptist traditions in the area. Mennonite churches have been growing in visibility across New England, providing a community focused on simple living, peace, and service. 

In recent years, Sullivan County has not only seen religious diversification but also a growing secular trend within its population. As younger generations become more distanced from organized religious practices, secularism has been gaining ground across the US. Sullivan County is no exception. Although faith-based institutions remain (historically) significant, there is an increasing presence of individuals who identify as atheist, agnostic, or simply as not practicing any religion. The younger demographic, in particular, is more likely to identify as secular. They are often influenced by global trends of individualism, technological advancement, and changing social attitudes towards religion.

Holy Resurrection Russian Orthodox Church, Claremont (front view). Image Credit: Madeline Ferland.

Conclusion: Religious Structures and their Significance to Sullivan County 

The religious landscape of and churches in Sullivan County are a reflection of our region’s cultural heritage and ongoing transformation. The county’s Protestant foundations remain evident in its historic churches. Yet the increasing diversity of faith communities and the rise of secularism signal a broader shift in the region’s identity. From the influence of Eastern European immigrants who brought Catholic and Orthodox traditions to the contemporary presence of Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mennonite groups, the county’s religious institutions continue to evolve. 

The diverse religious architecture stands as a living testament to the region’s history. They embody the stories and traditions of their communities. From the colonial-era Congregational churches to the distinctive onion domes of Orthodox churches, these structures are more than places of worship. They are landmarks of cultural identity and craftsmanship. Preserving them is not only about maintaining their historical and architectural significance. It is also about safeguarding the community’s shared heritage for future generations. 

Regardless of personal faith, you can contribute to saving these churches in Sullivan County. Support restoration projects, advocate for their recognition, or repurpose them for broader community use. This way, you can help to ensure that they continue to serve as important parts of our living history.