There are many impressive landmarks throughout Connecticut and one of them is right here in East Haven. The Old Stone Church has served the local community for 300 years and the church will celebrate that milestone throughout 2011.

The church has served as a host for many activities over the years and still does. In addition to the play school and thrift shop it houses, the church offers a variety of services for residents, from pre-marriage counseling to Lamaze classes. But what is equally significant is the history of the actual building in which all of these activities and services have found a solid home.

According to Peggy Thomas, the church historian, the church (The First Congregational Church of East Haven) was officially organized on Oct. 8, 1711 in a wood-frame building. Jacob Hemingway was the first minister and the church was known as the First Ecclesiastical Church of East Haven. In 1769, a larger structure was needed and the decision was made to build a new church.

"The building of Old Stone Church was a tremendous project," said Thomas. "They decided to build it out of stone-and not just because it would last; the red sandstone was readily accessible from the northern part of Laurel Street."

The mortar the builders used was made from oyster beds, added Thomas.

Thomas noted that the public has played a role in helping maintain the church building over time. In 1980, the steeple needed work to make it structurally sound. The estimate for the project was $150,000. The Town Council helped the church secure a $50,000 grant. The remaining $100,000 was collected through donations from residents of East Haven and other towns, according to Thomas.

The continued support from church members as well as the community has undoubtedly helped the church maintain its presence in town.

A Calendar of Events

To mark its anniversary, the church will celebrate all year through the continuation of its Second Saturday entertainment series that began last year. In February, the church will host a Valentine's Day dance and dinner. March's event is a corned beef dinner. Also that month, on March 25, the church will officially kick off its tercentenary with a pot pie dinner. Dressed in Colonial-period clothing, attendees will dine on meat pies-food people ate in 1711 (when the church was founded).

April will feature a fashion show and tea. Antique clothing will be available for purchase. In June, the church will hold a Quinnipiac River Indian pow wow-a day-long event that will culminate in a dinner on the church lawn that evening. A lobster fest with music on the lawn is scheduled for July. And every Saturday in September, Thomas will give tours of the church.

In October, the church will hold another anniversary celebration for which people are encouraged to wear Colonial dress. Thomas said the church will invite state government officials to attend. The Second Company Governor's Foot Guard will attend.

Also to celebrate the anniversary, the church is selling 2011 calendars for $10. They include church history and photos. Cookbooks are on sale for $18 and feature more than 300 recipes.

For more information about any of the events or to purchase a calendar or cookbook, call the church at 203-467-2907.