Our Local Partners

About First Congregational Church of Wallingford

In 1669, a small group of men and women set out from New Haven colony, traveling by oxen cart into the wilderness to establish a new church and a new community: Wallingford. The church was sited at the top of a hill, above the river, and the settlement grew around it. In all aspects, The First Congregational Church was literally the center of the town.Nearly 350 years later, descendants of those original settlers still sit in our pews, along with families newly arrived and from many religious and non-religious backgrounds. From the first small structure of hewn logs 340 years ago, our church has grown, been rebuilt, burned, grown again; our spire is the tallest silhouette on the hill, pointing heavenward towards the light.

Behind our doors and under that spire, the light of God still shines. Our church is welcoming, friendly and open to all. We enjoy dynamic and well-attended programs for children and youth. There are many opportunities for involvement in music. Lay leadership and participation are the cornerstones of our community. We support many unique mission and outreach projects.

Our church is a warm and inviting community, where any member, new or old-timer, young or old, male or female, gay or straight, from any background, can play a role in the life of the church. We are congenial, not cliquey; people accept each other without regard to background, profession or political differences. We work well together, like to laugh, and share great joy and friendship with one another.

We have a strong liturgical tradition of worship, familiar to many who join us from other denominations, and also enjoy varied and contemporary music and worship experiences. Preaching is based in scripture and relates to everyday life.

We are all called to be “children of God...to shine like stars in the world.” (Philippians 2:15) As God called out men and women so many years ago to bring God’s light to a new place, we at The First Congregational Church of Wallingford strive to share that light with our community and the world.

We are a member of the United Church of Christ, a denomination that celebrates diversity and inclusiveness. “No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.”

Check us out on our website at http://firstchurchwlfd.org/ to find out more about all the amazing programming we are doing!

The Lyon & Billard Lumber Company

The construction industry was booming in 1847, a fact not overlooked by John D. Billard & George W. Lyon. Billard moved from Old Saybrook to Meriden to join Lyon in the lumber business. Lyon & Billard was incorporated in 1878 w/ John Billard as president until his death in 1902.

Today, Lyon & Billard has 5 locations, lumberyards in Meriden, Cheshire, East Hampton, Plainfield & Berlin-home of our New Design Center & Kitchen,Bath Showroom,Center Hardware in addition to the Berlin lumber yard. One might think that the surge of home improvement chain stores would hurt the success of Lyon & Billard. But with over 3,000 contractors who look to Lyon & Billard as their supplier and with a strong client base of homeowners, the company still stands strong.

There are advantages you can get at Lyon & Billard that you just can’t get at a chain store, such as almost 170 years of knowledge, the care & attention that can only come from a family business, a guarantee on everything they sell, and impeccable customer service. And of course, don’t forget the free delivery. In 1847, Lyon & Billard delivered its customers’ materials on horse-drawn carts. Today, Lyon & Billard has a modern fleet of trucks, including boom & moffett trucks, to provide free delivery anywhere in the state—no matter how large or small the order.

Whatever the future brings, Lyon & Billard will be there.

Lyon & Billard's partnership with the Wallingford Workcamp Team is a great representation of our committment to keeping our locally sourced donations out of national corporations and in the hands of local community businesses. Lyon & Billard is giving us a considerable price difference than large chain stores and we are thrilled to be working with them! And we can attest that their customer service is truly impeccable!

South Broad Paint & Home Center

South Broad Paint Center & Home Décor was conceived in February of 2015. Formed by long time colleagues Mark and James, both of whom worked for more than 16 years for a small family owned home center. With a long history of working with homeowners, contractors, designers and property management, we have both acquired a very dedicated work ethic.

To “pay it forward” is the motto that we stand by, and will always lend our friends and neighbors a hand during their time of need. Our vision is to offer the community a local home center that provides the service, skill and knowledge that is currently not available. A place where you can come and simply join us for coffee and ask any advice regarding your next home project, without feeling obligated to make a purchase. Honesty and integrity above all.

A family friendly showroom where you can shop with ease, professional design and consultation services at your request. Refreshments and snacks daily, loyalty program, and many other services. Too busy to come to us, no worries, we will come to your home with samples in hand to assist you in your next home project!

The Wallingford Workcamp Team is ecstatic at the enthusiasm that Mark and James have brought to the table, not only as vendors, but with their willingness to provide more than just paint and stain supplies! This is another phenomenal example of the loving and caring hearts that are involved in this project and that reside in our community!