Nestled in the Town of Riga, New York, the First Congregational Church of Riga, also known as “Riga Church” is a Church in the Country with the World at Heart. In 1806, the Church began in the barn of Elihu Church with people gathering there for worship. Construction of the Riga Church building began in 1823, and in 1824 the church building was dedicated. The Riga Church was one of the first church buildings west of the Genesee River. 1
In 2006, Riga Church celebrated its congregational bicentennial (since meeting in 1806). With praise and worship to God, Riga Church proclaimed Lamentations 3:22-23 “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!” Praise God for 200 years!
2024 was the bicentennial of the Church building. It was celebrated with church tours, an ice cream social, a plaque rededication, and with family, friends, and the community. Since its dedication in 1824, the church building continues to be a place where people can find God’s love and a Christ-centered family. Riga Church shines its light brightly in the community and beyond, supporting local food cupboards and an orphanage in Malawi, Africa.
We continue to glorify and worship God, echoing the voices of the Prophet Samuel in 1 Samuel 7:12: He [Samuel] named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.”
1 Morrell, A. (2015). First Congregational: A Riga Mainstay. D&C. March 12, 2015. 11:07 pm.
