Submitted by Kristin Battistoni
(December 3, 2025) — Five years ago, the First Congregational Church of Haddam and the Higganum Congregational Church faced big changes—and big choices. Recognizing that we could accomplish more together than apart, the two congregations united nearly three years ago to form the United Congregational Church of Haddam and Higganum. Since then, we have continued a long tradition of mission-driven work, supporting an Afghan refugee family, contributing to local soup kitchens, raising funds for charities, and partnering with organizations both near and far—always stepping forward wherever help was needed.
Now we face one of our most significant decisions as an organization: how to repurpose or sell property that is beyond our current needs as a rural congregation. Both of our campuses continue to serve as welcoming spaces for gatherings and community programs, and each offers unique assets that have supported local organizations for many years.
The Haddam campus (photo right)—located across from Brainerd Memorial Library—includes a commercial kitchen, a large gathering space, and a house used for offices. It is home to the Haddam Co-Op Nursery School, the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, and several other groups.
The Higganum campus (photo left) sits on four acres connected by sidewalks to the center of town, featuring a newer classroom wing and a Victorian-style house that has served as a parsonage.
As we evaluate these properties and their potential, we are beginning a thoughtful, transparent process to determine how best to move forward in a way that supports both our mission and our community partnerships.
While we would prefer not to reduce our footprint, maintaining multiple buildings has become increasingly burdensome for our congregation. We are seeking individuals or organizations that might have a vision for these spaces—whether for a small restaurant, a theater (both locations have an Austin Organ), office space, a museum, or a school. We are open to selling a campus or becoming a financial partner with a group whose goals align with the needs of the community.
Conversations around the repurposing of Haddam Elementary School—and, more recently, the search for a new town garage location—have shown that there is no shortage of creative possibilities. Now is the time to turn those ideas into reality.
If you have a vision for either property, or are interested in partnering with us to preserve the character of Haddam and Higganum, please contact the church office at fcchaddam@gmail.com or call 860-345-2742 by January 20, 2026.
