KENT CONNECTICUT – I felt that yesterday’s photograph of the wooden gothic church in Cornwall Bridge was a success, so I drove to Kent to shoot the gothic Congregational Church there. According to the Church’s website it was founded 1740 with the present building dates to 1849. They’ve fallen onto slightly hard times with 200 members and a bunch of peeling paint. But at least they have some attitude. According to the website the Kent Congregational Church was ” first to ordain an African-American pastor (1785), a woman (1853), an openly gay person (1972) and the first to affirm same-gender marriage equality (2005). ” “First” out of what universe isn’t clear. Anyway, here’s the picture, taken with my Alpa Max, a 60 meg Hasselblad digital back and a Schneider 48mm Digitar lens.
On this day one year ago: Rose.
2 replies on “Sunday June 5, 2011”
I enjoy your photo-a-day blog, and make it a point to catch it from time to time.
The great portrait of the Kent Congregational Church (June 5) led me to read the text. It is the United Church of Christ — the wider denomination — which rightfully claims the “firsts,” and not the Kent Church. I’d say those social landmarks are best understood as first in America. One did take place in Connecticut: the Rev. Lemuel Haynes, and African-American veteran of the Revolution, was ordained in Torrington on Nov. 9, 1795.
With appreciation for your fine work.
David M. Powers, Cape Cod
Thanks for clarifying this.