Our Story

Our Story - Centennial

On September 7, 1910 Winfred and Phoebe Emery donated the land at the comer off Rt. 28 and Mill Creek Road for a church dedicated to the gospel of Jesus Christ. In 1911 the Ladies Circle built what was called the Bethel Church at this location. The ladies circle was formed on January 23, 1883 to "work for the benefit of the Bethel Church." At that time the Bethel Church was located in South Harwich.

On August 20, 1917 the Bethel Church of South Chatham, was burned to ashes. After the fire the ladies offered the use of their hall for church services and immediately began to raise money for the construction of a new church. Architecturally the simple stained glassed windows and the tin ceiling give a simple elegance to the sanctuary.

Church Bell
When the new church was completed the bell from a church in South Harwich was installed. It was later removed due to its weight and now stands in the yard of the church.

On March 4, 1919 the church was transferred to the Methodist Episcopal Church.The church continued in the Methodist tradition until 1969 when its members voted to become an independent non-denominational church, The South Chatham Community Church.

Several additions were subsequently added to the original structure. A fellowship hall and basement room, now the Benefit Shop, was built in the 1960's. In 2003 the church dedicated a new addition which added a classroom, office, hallway and made the church completely accessible to those with disabilities. The church was given an award by the town committee on disabilities for their work in making the church accessible.

South Chatham Community Church has a building, but over the 100 plus years of our church we have been about people (the real church). In the past our community has made a difference locally and internationally. Our prayer as we progress forward is that we will have much greater impact for the Kingdom of God! The church is congregational in its governance, evangelical in its witness and commitment to Biblical authority, and dedicated to preaching the gospel to the local community and is in partnership with missionaries around the world.