Press Release
Date of Release: July 1, 2024
Contact: nicholsumctech@gmail.com
Re: Church Merger
It is with great excitement that the congregations of Long Hill United Methodist Church and Nichols United Methodist Church have agreed to merge, creating one United Methodist Church in Trumbull. Both churches have a long standing tradition of community and service in and around Trumbull, the community and beyond.
The Long Hill UMC congregation was established in Trumbull as far back as 1830, and members have come to know and love their old stone sanctuary, built in 1918. During the century that has transpired since 1918, their church has touched many lives, gathered many families into one, and helped share the word of God through Jesus Christ with the Trumbull community. Since the turn of the new century, the Long Hill church has experienced the same challenges other religious institutions have faced, and in an effort to maintain the church’s ability to further its mission, its members have chosen to join with Nichols UMC and move forward into the future together.
Nichols United Methodist Church was founded in 1848 by a group of residents, led by Grandison Nichols who sought the spiritual renewal they found lacking in other local churches. Nichols United Methodist is named for the community of Nichols, the first section of the town of Trumbull to be settled. The church’s founders created a place in Trumbull for worship, drawing congregants away from Stratford and establishing their new religious home in Trumbull.
The Ladies Aid Society raised much of the money to construct the original building through dinners, fairs and other events. A second larger sanctuary, known as "The Green Church,” was built in 1904 to accommodate the growing congregation. The current sanctuary, the large brick building, situated at the convergence of Shelton Road and Huntington Turnpike, was completed in 1962, and the education building was added in 1980.
Nichols United Methodist Church is known for its dynamic worship services, strong support of missions, Bible study opportunities, Mother’s Day Out, Vacation Bible School and strong youth ministries. The congregation is led by Pastor Albert Hahn, who joined Nichols UMC in July, 2023.
As the congregations merge, efforts are under way to continue Long Hill’s monthly spaghetti suppers and community concerts starting next September through the end of 2024. In addition, the Long Hill UMC Children’s Center will continue operations at its current site. Planning will continue for additional events. The suppers and concerts previously enjoyed at Long Hill will run through May, 2025, check the website for times and locations.
The merger is effective as of July 1, 2024. An Open House to tour the Long Hill church home was held on Sunday, June 30. Nichols United Methodist will host a Rally Day Picnic on Sunday, September 8th at 11:15. Services are offered in person and via Zoom. In-person services also offer listening devices for those that need a bit of support. Please check out www.nicholsumc.org for information on activities, services offered and event sign-ups as needed.