WILTON – The First Unitarian Congregational Society is the oldest church in Wilton Center, and by one way of reckoning, the oldest church in Wilton. They separated from the Second Congregational Church in downtown Wilton in 1822, giving both churches the same historical beginnings as they went their separate ways.

It is usually known as the Wilton Center Unitarian Church. Recently several long-time members met at the Red House, the church’s historic parish and social hall, to discuss the future of the church. Repainting and repair the sanctuary has been completed and it now gleams in bright off-white. The tin ceiling, installed in 1901, has been repaired. Now they would like more people to join them and see it.

“We are looking toward being more involved in the community,” Jane Bergeron said.

“We want people to know we are here,” Joyce Fisk added. That means getting the word out, advertising a little, and they want to develop more programs to interest young people

They consider themselves “moderately conservative,” Fisk said, “maybe leaning a little toward the Congregational side,” and avoiding what they consider “the radical kind of activism” of some other churches.

Since 1910, Bergeron said, they do not have a settled minister, but a slate of speakers, “with a variety of subjects. It presents a wider view,” Bergeron said.

Most services are led by the part-time minister Rev. Jane Nieuwejaar. Everyone is welcome.

The simple white wooden church dominates Wilton Center, as it has since 1861. The previous church, built in 1775, burned. The Rev. Abiel Livermore preached the dedication sermon. He was the grandson of the Rev. Jonathan Livermore, the town’s first settled minister, who came to town in 1763.

In 1897 the members voted to officially change the name to the present one, adding the word “Unitarian.”

The church acquired The Red House in the 1950s.

Sunday services are at 10:30 a.m., September through June, with occasional services during the summer. A social hour follows at the Red House.

The Sunday School is held at the Red House and offers classes for elementary age children and childcare for infants and toddlers.

The services cover a wide range of theological views from humanism to liberal Christianity, spiritual, ethical, and intellectual in content intended to nurture ethical behavior and spiritual growth. The church’s Affirmation of Faith contains these words: “Lover is the doctrine of this church. The quest for truth is its sacrament, and service is its prayer.”

The church’s annual Strawberry Festival will be held at the Red House on Saturday, June 22. The event will include a craft fair.

For information visit www.uuwilton.org, or call 654-9518.

Unitarianism is the conviction that God is one unified whole, not in three parts. The faith developed in Poland and Rumania and spread to England. Prominent early Unitarians in this country include Henry David Thoreau, Ralph Waldo Emerson and Louisa May Alcott who helped in its development.