The Calvinistic Congregational Church

Built in 1860

This Italianate-style building replaces a brick structure built in 1828 after part of the Congregational Society withdrew from that church. It was built in 1860, patterned after a church in Athol, MA, and designed by the same architect, Elbridge Boyden.

Rev. Martyn Tupper became pastor in 1852, and from 1864-1868, he received a gift of $100-$200 in addition to his regular salary. Hardwick had followed an old tradition of levying a "minister tax" based on the town's evaluation. In 1876, church interest surged with a revival of religious fervor when Mr. H.L. Meade was hired for four Sundays, with additional meetings held during the week. Participants felt "blessed with the manifest presence of the Holy Spirit."

The twentieth Century brought a reunion of the two churches on Hardwick Common. A formal vote in 1931 established the Community Church of Hardwick with membership from both churches. Each would retain its own funds, but the pastor would serve the whole group with services held for six months in each church.