Old Lyme Congregational Church

The Old Lyme Congregational Church is a house of worship in Connecticut with a classical front featuring four fluted columns supporting a prominent steeple. Its exterior displays symmetrical window arrangements and a clean, traditional design typical of American Congregational architecture from the early 1800s.

The current structure was designed in 1816 following classical principles and had to be completely rebuilt after a major fire in 1907. Reconstruction took place in 1908, preserving the original architectural language from the early design.

The building attracted painters from the Old Lyme Art Colony who returned repeatedly to capture its classical architecture on canvas. This artistic focus made the place central to the visual identity of the local art community over many decades.

The building sits in the town center and is easy to reach by foot, with its main facade clearly visible from the street. You can view the exterior anytime, and regular services are held if you wish to visit the interior.

Five other Congregational churches across Connecticut share nearly identical architectural details and proportions, suggesting that builders used similar patterns or prefabricated parts when constructing them in the 1820s and 1830s. This similarity remains visible today in the matching window layouts and column arrangements.

GPS coordinates: 41.31290,-72.33190

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:44