Blending Tradition and Transition at the Rehoboth Congregational Church

Since 1721 – more than 50 years before the American Revolution – the Rehoboth Congregational Church has been a cornerstone of our community. Situated in the center of town, the “Church in the Village” has been a spiritual home for generations of Rehoboth families. Yet, while church members are proud of its colonial roots and long-standing traditions, RCC is also a vibrant, active community of today. That’s what attracted Reverend Andrew Simon, who became the new settled pastor of the church this summer.

“There is just such an energy in this place,” Rev. Simon explains. “It’s a really strong welcoming feeling that pulls you in right away.”

Rev. Simon says he was also drawn to the multi-generational aspect of the RCC congregation. “In an era when churches all over are seeing a decline in regular attendance – especially in younger families – this church has a thriving church school program and participation from members of all ages. I love to look out on a Sunday and see the babies, teens, and older folks all mingling together. There aren’t enough opportunities for that kind of interaction in today’s world.”

Many congregants agree. “For the past decade, being a member here and bringing my children and family here has been a consistent blessing. RCC has always been a joyful, welcoming place,” says teacher and Rehoboth resident Jessalyn Sadler Correa.

Ann Murphy of Rumford adds, “RCC feels like a family who looks after and cares for each other as well as the wider community.”

Rev. Simon comes to RCC with twenty years of pastoral experience, most recently at St. James Lutheran Church in Barrington, Rhode Island. He transitioned to the United Church of Christ, the church’s denomination, after a two-year process of discernment and study.

“Changing the path of my ministry was a pretty intense process,” he explains, “but for many reasons, it was the right move for me. Coming here now, I feel a renewed sense of purpose and energy.”

Calling Rev. Simon to serve RCC was the right move as well, according to Abbie St. Martin, co-chair of the pastoral search committee. “Right from our first meeting with him, we all felt Andrew was the perfect fit for us. He’s smart, thoughtful, and really funny – just the kind of pastor we were looking for.”


During the year-long search for a new settled pastor, the church was led by Reverend Helen Nablo of Centerville, Mass. As an interim pastor, Rev. Nablo’s role was to guide the congregation through the many steps involved in the search process. She finished her tenure at RCC just as Rev. Simon was called to serve.

In addition to Rev. Simon, Rehoboth Congregational has also recently hired Melissa Grossi of Seekonk as its Music Director, and Samantha Choate of Rehoboth as the Office Administrator. The talents of these new staff members have blended seamlessly with those of Church School Director Allison Ware and Technology Director Andrew Kingsland.

“We’ve got such a great team in place right now,” says Melissa Enos, the chair of the RCC Executive Board. “We’ve made a few improvements and continue to build on our strengths. We are a congregation looking forward to a great future!”

After 303 years, the Rehoboth Congregational Church is still going strong!

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For more information, please visit our website, www.rehobothcongregational.org 
Upcoming Events!

Cornhole Tournament at Hillside Country Club, October 19th

Trunk or Treat, October 20th

New Member Informational Luncheon, October 27th

“Christmas in the Village” Bazaar & Turkey Supper, November 1st & 2nd