History :

In 1683, Reverend Samuel Shiverick preached in a small meetinghouse near Minister's Rock in the present town of Marion. At that time Rochester encompassed the present town, all of what is now Marion and Mattapoisett as well as part of Wareham. In 1687, Shiverick moved to Falmouth and Reverend Samuel Arnold was invited to "settle" and was offered a "proprietor's share in the lands of Rochester".

In 1697, the Common, the Burying Ground and the "Ministry Lands" were laid out at Rochester Center and on October 13, 1703, the First Church of Rochester was organized. Eight men signed the original Church Covenant and since that time the church has had a history of continuous worship for nearly 300 years. The present sanctuary, built in 1837, is the fourth to stand on church land at Rochester Center. It was erected by architect and builder Solomon K. Eaton of Mattapoisett at a cost of under $5,000. The church reflects the Christopher Wren style popular at the time, modified by a square belfry rather than the usual pointed spires. Eaton also designed and built four other local Congregational churches of note: North Rochester, Marion, Mattapoisett, and Wareham, which burned in 1904.

In 1850, the Ladies' Sewing Circle purchased a "Sweet tone bell with the sound of 'A' " which still rings at 9 and 10:15 a.m. every Sunday. In 1866 a pipe organ was purchased and installed in the gallery in the rear. It was later moved to the front but is now back in its original location. The original pew doors were removed years ago during a renovation when the beautiful chandelier was added.

In 1993 a new Fellowship Hall was dedicated, the first new building for the church in over 150 years. This handicap-accessible addition is frequently used for many kinds of receptions, suppers, church, and community events.