Town #43 Southington

Tuesday, April 7, 2009
First Congregational Church of Southington * Bonterra Italian Bistro

We visited with our friend Nancy in Southington today. She volunteers Tuesday mornings at her church, First Congregational Church of Southington, on the Town Green, so we met her there. She gave us a full tour and some history of the church, which wears its age well (nearly 300 years for the church, nearly 200 years for this building, the third meetinghouse since 1740). It had a major renovation in the early 1970s that kept most of the charming features of the original sanctuary, and a more recent addition that increased the church’s footprint and added much-needed new space.

The ceiling of the sanctuary is unique in that it is oval shaped, rimmed with wood-carved detailing, and slightly raised toward the center. The three-sided balcony is original but during the renovation higher, safer railings were added. The unique sanctuary pews are slightly curved. There is a steep, narrow staircase from the narthex to the balcony which, before the 1970s renovation, was much narrower still.

Being interested in organs as we are, we appreciated getting a look at theirs. It is in the balcony, at the back of the sanctuary. It is a Walker and Nancy said it is either electronic or pipeless, but there is no information on their website to indicate which, although she says the sound is close to that of a pipe organ.

The lower levels are a warren of church school rooms, meeting rooms, fellowship hall, kitchen, offices, a lovely chapel, and storage areas. It is a dignified old building that started much smaller and has been added on to many times. It is well used and well cared for.

We had lunch just across the Green at Bonterra’s, a delightful Italian bistro in the base of the recently renovated clocktower. It is a new cousin to another local restaurant, Anthony Jacks Wood Fired Grill. Bonterra’s has a wonderful atmosphere, delicious food, and excellent service. The menu is more than ample and we each had trouble picking only one menu item! We all ordered from the $7 lunch menu, which apparently changes weekly, and were rewarded with bountiful meals. Nancy and I had penne alla vodka with sausage added and Bob had chicken parmagiana, definitely dinner-sized. Bread isn’t served automatically but on request was graciously provided. The focaccia was delicious! It definitely warrants a return visit.