St. Stephen's Church

St. Stephen's Church is located in East Haddam, Connecticut and has a rich history that continues to make it a vital part of the community. The mission of the church is to encourage church members to focus on their relationship with God, be guided by the Holy Spirit and engage in worship and fellowship together. The Sunday School program at the church seeks to enlighten the young with knowledge, hope and values, while communicating to them the importance of the family relationship. All are welcome to attend the church and the church community engaged in mission projects in an attempt to share their time and talents with the community, the nation and the world. The church's history began in 1794 when it was decided that the bell tower needed a bell. Funds were raised and committee was formed to make the purchase. The bell was hung four years later, but legend has it when a nonbeliever brought a notification of marriage to the church, he was hit on the head by the bell's clinger and died two days later. When the church was rebuilt in no bell tower was in the construction so the bell was sat on a wall in the church. In 1904, a bell tower was constructed and the bell once again rang out through St. Stephen's. Today, the bell is still in use and rings for funerals, weddings and special events.