Great Awakening Leader George Whitefield’s Visit to South Windsor

America’s first major mass movement began in the early 1730s. It would become known as the First Great Awakening, a period of religious revival during which a personal, heartfelt relationship with God was emphasized rather than instruction through ministers. The movement would be led by Angilican evangelist George Whitefield.

Whitefield began preaching outdoors in England, reaching out to those who didn’t normally attend church such as slaves. Often this practice meant he went over the heads of other priests while speaking to their congregations, a point that was disapproved of by many church elders. However, Whitefield quickly became popular for his passionate and dramatic sermons that greatly contrasted the monotone voices of traditional preachers. Crowds were often so engaged they were found sobbing by the end of his sermons. In 1740, Whitefield traveled to America where he began a preaching tour across the colonies, earning record audiences at every stop. Even Benjamin Franklin, known for his skepticism of religion, was charmed by Whitefield’s sermons. 

Overall, Whitefield traveled 5,000 miles in America, preaching over 350 times in just that one year! In October specifically, he visited Northampton, where he met Jonathon Edwards who he noted was a “solid excellent Christian”. After preaching to Edwards’ congregation, the two rode together to what is now South Windsor to meet with Edwards’ father, Reverend Timothy Edwards. On October 21st, Whitefield preached at the First Congregational Church and afterward had dinner at Timothy Edwards’ house. His journal details the events of the trip: 

“As soon as the sermon was over, I rode a mile and a half, and preached to a thronged congregation belonging to old Mr. Edwards, father of Mr. Edwards of Northampton.  After exercise [preaching], we supped at the house of old Mr. Edwards. His wife was as aged, I believe, as himself, and I fancied that I was sitting in the house of Zacharias and Elizabeth. I parted from him and his son (who came with me thus far) with regret; but, blessed by God, we shall meet in eternity! Lord, grant that I may always comfort myself with this thought!”

Although brief, Whitefield enjoyed his trip to South Windsor and was sure to have been enjoyed by those he spoke to!

South Windsor’s First Church

Religion was a key factor in English settlement in New England. Connecticut, and South Windsor specifically is no different. Church was extremely important to most colonists and thus, important to our history. The First Congregational Church in South Windsor is the among the earliest churches founded in the US after the great migration of Puritans to the New World.

Established in the 1630’s, the town of Windsor extended across both sides of the CT River. The church was located on the west side and in the 17th century, farmers on the east side (now known as South Windsor) had to cross the river to attend worship. Traveling to and from the church was often difficult so in 1691, there was a petition in the Connecticut General Court for the east side of the river to have their own church and minister. The court approved and in 1694, the first meeting house was constructed on Main Street with the first minister, Timothy Edwards ordained in 1698. Edwards served as the pastor for over 60 years until his death in 1758. In total, the church has been served by 35 pastors. 

In it’s 325 years of history, the church has moved into 4 different buildings all on Main Street. The first meeting house had no floor or seats and was replaced in 1714, then again in 1761. The current church (First Congregational Church of South Windsor) was built in 1845 when South Windsor became a separate town. The building is extremely similar to the First Church of Windsor and like many in that century, was built with a Greek Revival design and has a columned portico in the front of the building. 
The church continues to run as a place of worship on 993 Main Street.