Best known as the “Little Brown Church,” the charming Congregational Church shown above is located along Route 57 in the New Boston section of Sandisfield. The circa 1914 photograph was taken by Frank DeMars, an itinerant cameraman who explored northwestern Connecticut and the southern Berkshires. Note that the hillside behind the church was cleared for firewood or charcoaling, and then used as pasture.
The church was erected in 1879 in the Gothic Revival style. Like many small rural churches, membership eventually dwindled, and closure threatened. But in recent years, a miracle has manifested. A handful of faithful, hardworking parishioners teamed up with Reverend Eric Kriebel from Torrington, Conn. to breathe new life into the once-struggling church. Pastor Eric’s kind, inspiring, and approachable personality has created a remarkable resurgence in attendance. Folks even venture from surrounding towns once a month to attend this church.
It is also important to note during this holiday season that Sandisfield native Edmund Sears (1810–1876) was a prominent Unitarian theologian best known for writing the lyrics to the beloved Christmas carol, “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear.”
